Throughout the book of Romans, Paul discusses the conflict between the nature of the soul and that of the flesh. The flesh desires to sin. The flesh desires the things of this world. The soul, on the other hand, yearns for holiness. Paul claims that this conflict between these two natures is as severe as a war (Romans 7:23), one nature is always on the brink of defeat because the other is slaughtering it into submission. Could this war also be waging between our identities?
Just as our very being is made up of both the opposing natures of the body and soul, our identity also consists of who the world tells us we are and who Christ declares us to be. These two identities contradict each other, literally resulting in an identity crisis. As Christians, we often are unaware of how we are striving towards and conforming to this ‘worldly identity’ (Romans 12:2). Who does the world tell me to be? It whispers deceit into my ear, asking me to be the smartest, the prettiest, the most funny, and the most athletic – to name a few! Notice how these “worldly identities” call me to be the best. There is tension present in the identities even in that realization, for Jesus calls us to a life of servant hood! These ‘worldly’ expectations that are constantly being spoken into my mind by the devil are completely unachievable. There will always be someone “better” in all of those areas. I will always feel like a failure. I will always be disappointed in myself.
In order to find hope, we have to look at the other side of the coin. What is my “godly” identity? Who does God call me to be? Here is the ‘simple’ fact: God desires me to be exactly who He created me to be. That will look a bit different for all of us as we are all unique creations made in His beautiful and perfect image. The more time we spend with our creator, the more we will be able to live out His purpose and will for our lives because we begin to realize and reflect the image of our maker: “we are mirrors whose brightness, if we are bright, is wholly derived from the sun that shines upon us” (Mere Christianity, Lewis). There is no effort required, and certainly no expectations or failures. For example, God created me as joyful, as desiring a knowledge for His word, and with a heart of love for His people. The more time I spend in His word, in prayer, and with His church, the more these truths become manifested in my life. The call to be who God created me to be – nothing more and nothing less- is such a freeing thought! I will learn to run freely when I learn exactly who God sees me to be.
Trying to live up to the expectations of the world will make you feel like a failure. God expects nothing from you except for you to be who you are in Him. He wants your whole heart and from there, the rest will follow. Will you choose to begin to recognize when you’re living up to the expectations of the world? Decide to let your ‘godly identity’ win the war and live in the freedom of who God has created you to be!
“God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” Genesis. 1:27
“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1
Refined Joy 