Celebrate Your Identity With Christ
Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me
and of my words in this adulterous and sinful
generation; of him also shall the Son of man be
ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his
Father with the holy angels (Mark 8:38).
Hebrews 2:11 describes our oneness with
Jesus Christ, for which reason He isn’t
ashamed to call us “brethren”— that is, His brothers
and sisters. Paul, like the Lord Jesus, wasn’t ashamed
of His identity with God’s people either. In Acts 20:32
for example, he called the believers in the Church at
Ephesus “brethren,” which refers to the brotherhood;
fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household
of God. Being born of the Spirit, we’re heirs of God,
and joint-heirs with Christ.
Sadly, some Christians are ashamed to be
identified with other believers. When you refer to
them as brother or sister so and so, they quickly rebuff
it and say, “Just call me by name; don’t add “brother”
or “sister” to it.” Never be that way. Your association
with Jesus Christ and His Church is the greatest, most
honourable and inspiring identity you could ever have.
Celebrate it at every opportunity. Seize every moment
to glorify Jesus Christ.
Recall the priceless words of the Lord Jesus in our
opening verse. If you’re ashamed to let the world—your
friends, family members, colleagues, etc—know that
you’re born again, and that you’re a member of the
household of faith, the Master also will be ashamed to
acknowledge you before the Father and the angels.
Irrespective of anyone’s perception of Christianity,
we have the most dignified identity; don’t take it
lightly! What could be more sublime than being an
associate of the God-kind? Always be excited that
you’re a Christian. Be unapologetic in declaring your
unwavering allegiance to Christ, His Church and
other believers. Nothing, and no one should ever
make you dissociate yourself from Christ or repudiate
your oneness with Him! Even the fiercest threats or
persecution from the adversary shouldn’t get you to
cower
Prayer
Dear heavenly Father, I thank you for the faith and strength in
my inner man, and the courage to be unapologetic in professing
my oneness with you, and association with other believers.
I’m glad to be in Christ, and belong in the household of God.
Nothing in this world could be more sublime than being
an associate of the God-kind!
Blessed be God!
Further study:
Romans 1:16; Luke 12:8-9
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Luke 9:1-17
Joshua 10-12
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Matthew 26:69-75
Leviticus 1