Revelations From an Identity Crisis

A few years ago, I embarked on a 10-hour drive to Indiana to see my family. Every time I went there, I'd stop along the way to visit a friend of mine in prison.

On this particular drive, I somehow lost my ID. I couldn't find it anywhere! It wasn't in my wallet or in my car. I stopped at a gas station and tore my car apart looking for it. The reason this was such a big deal was that they would not let you into the prison if you didn't have identification.

I was the only person who would visit my friend, and I only got to do this twice per year. This was important. I felt sick. Luckily, I found it a few minutes later stuck in a crevice under my seat, and I was able to go see my friend after all.

The whole episode got me thinking about one's identity. It's amusing how a seemingly insignificant piece of plastic, such as an ID, can evoke insecurity within me. What is it about a plastic card bearing an official seal and my photograph that defines my identity?

The card holds no inherent value. It confirms the state's authority, granting me the right to be recognized as myself. Without it, has anything truly changed? I remain the same person, with the same physical attributes, unchanged in height, weight, or appearance. My name and birthdate remain the same. The only true difference is the loss of my ID. However, in a world where an ID wasn't necessary, one could assume any identity you desired.

These thoughts led me to think about how this works in the context of my spiritual identity, and about the influence it has on my physical existence. Jesus was given authority over heaven and earth, and it is through this authority that my identity is now defined as a citizen of heaven, a child of God, and more specifically, a son of God.

This spiritual identity carries immense weight and can shape and transform the physical realm. It bestows certain powers that alter and impacts the world around us.

Conversely, the relationship between my physical identity and spiritual identity is striking. Even if I were to assume a false persona, it's the equivalent of having a fake ID. It might have gotten me into a bar when I was underage or into prison to visit a friend, but it would in no way, shape or form change who I really was. I could have the best fake ID ever created, but there would be no authority or power behind it.

This reality holds immense significance. Even if I were to deviate and begin acting out of character based on my design, the core of who I am remains unshakable, unchanging, and steadfast.

Both our physical ID and spiritual identity are solely rooted in the authority and power of the giver and not the plastic itself or actions that a spiritual identity produces.

2nd Corinthians 5:16-17:

From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

If I continue to walk according to the flesh, a false persona, I will have to use control and manipulation to get my way instead of the power and authority that is rightfully bestowed upon me as a son of God from the King of Kings himself.

One day soon, I will no longer see myself according to the flesh, and recognize that I am a new creation. The old has passed away and the new has come! Today, my prayer for you is that this revelation will also grip your heart.