A Greater Way to Shape Your Identity

In today’s world of double standards, it is crucial to have a source we can come back to when we are confused or overwhelmed with the voices all around us. Sports is a common place for coaches and athletes to hear many opinions about who they should become and what they should do. People have opinions about everything coaches and athletes do: How they lead, how they play, how they spend their time and money, what they do in the off-season. But, the only opinion that matters is Jesus’ opinion. That’s what it means to put your identity in Christ.

“Jesus answered, “’I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” -John 14:6

Jesus’ life example of unity with His Father was built on a foundation of being certain that His identity as God’s Son was immovable. This helped him face challenging circumstances with wisdom and faith.

A GREATER WAY

The Lord offers us a solid source and solutions we would not think of ourselves. The thing that always amazes me are the “keys” He uses to open certain doors in my life. Sometimes, I find I am trying the wrong key or even jimmying the lock, stubbornly trying to break the door down. But once I finally humble myself and agree to utilize the keys in His hands, He shows me which key will unlock a new understanding of who I am in Him. 

The keys of the world look like things of the flesh: Jealousy, revenge, greed, unbelief. But the keys in God’s hands are the fruit of the spirit, and they bring things like love, joy and peace. 

LESSONS FROM JOSEPH

Remember the story of Joseph in Genesis, the one whose brothers sold him into Egyptian slavery? Years after they sold him, they became vulnerable from a famine and dependent on Joseph’s decisions. Joseph had been put in charge by the all-powerful Pharoah. But, He was still faithful to God.

Although Joseph knew where He came from, imagine his fight with his feelings when he saw those who betrayed him – his flesh and blood, his own siblings! What thoughts do you think might have run through his head? Revenge would have been natural. He was in a high position, and he could have turned his back on them since they turned their backs on him. The Egyptians were repulsed by shepherds, which is what his brothers did for a living. Egypt wasn’t exactly looking out for the children of Israel. It would have been easy for Joseph to identify with what Egypt said about His ancestors rather than God and use the wrong “keys” to get even. 

But, Joseph knew his true identity in God. 

“And he (Joseph) put them all in custody for three days.

On the third day, Joseph said to them, “Do this and you will live, for I fear God…” -Genesis 42:17-18

Joseph let his brothers go back home, he gave them provision for their trip and he asked them to return to Egypt with their families for more blessings. This ended up saving the family, which was how God showed Himself faithful to them. Joseph used God’s “keys” in the situation. 

We know how the story ends now, and we know that this action by Joseph helped his father’s family survive. But I wonder how many tears Joseph cried during the three days he’d imprisoned his brothers and how passioned his dialogues were with the Lord. Was it a severe battle for compassion and justice within him until he was concurred to accept God’s perspective? Or did it come easy? This type of forgiveness comes only from a strong walk with God.

Even when our identity is in Christ, relationships can be difficult.

Throughout my childhood, my relationship with my grandmother was one of my biggest challenges. My parents divorced soon after I was born. I loved both of them, and I wanted to stay with both my mom and dad, so I traveled from home to home. Because of this, my granny called me “a lodger,” which hurt me. Like Joseph, there were times I put her in custody in my heart. I didn’t feel I could trust her. I didn’t want to have anything in common or share in any moments together. 

But, I was a follower of Christ, and in my 20s, the Lord started explaining to me what forgiveness means. This was the beginning of my path to restore the brokenness I had in my life and with my grandma. Putting my identity in Christ led me to see a better way: I saw her how Jesus saw her. I had to make a similar decision as Joseph and put the hurt from my loved one behind me. 

One night, we went to a movie, just a small ladies night together. During that night, I knew I had forgiven her in my heart, and her happiness showed that she was experiencing this change. I could only do it because my identity was in Christ, and I knew I was His child and my role was to represent Him in all circumstances.

GOD'S WAY

Sports, culture and other people will offer opinions of who we should be and what we should do. Our own sense of justice and truth can also try to guide us, but this too can all lead us astray. Putting our identity in Jesus means we become synchronized with God’s way, God’s Word and what God is leading us to do through it.