Growing up, a group of my friends and our dads would often head to a state park for a day of hiking. We had a great time, got some good exercise, and saw some beautiful sites. One of our traditions was to stop at the side of a creek and set up a rope swing. We would search for a good tree, throw our rope over a strong branch, tie it off, and create a loop at the end for our feet. Once the new rope swing was ready, the next question was in what order we would get to swing? Usually, everyone jockeyed for position to get their turn, except for me. I was content to go last or at least late in the order.
I always had fun swinging above the water and enjoyed the thrill, but I was never comfortable until I watched others do it first. I was apprehensive. I wanted to see if the tree branch would hold. Was the knot tied right and proved to be strong? Were my buddies able to get on and off the swing without danger? In other words, I wanted to be assured of my safety if I was going to take on the adventure.
In Ephesians chapter one, Paul writes this:
...I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at the right hand in the heavenly places, far above rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come." (Ephesians 1:16-21 ESV)
You Can Know Who You Are in Christ
While this may be an impossibly long run-on sentence, Paul gives us some incredible truth. He encourages us with the knowledge that as followers of Jesus, we are children of God who have obtained an inheritance that has been sealed with a promise. He prays that the Ephesians (and us) would know the hope that we have been called to by God. He prays that we would know the riches of His glorious inheritance. He prays that we would know the greatness of His power toward us. Through Jesus Christ and his substitutionary atonement, we are now fundamentally different people. We have become children of the one true God and will share the incredible inheritance promised to the Son. We are a new creation. We have gone from death to life. Paul prays that we would know this and let it be what defines us.
Where Does Your Identity Come From?
Have you ever wrestled with your identity? Have you ever wondered what it is that makes you, you, and what value you hold? Our lives can get so wrapped up in trying to prove who we are. We try to prove that we are good enough at our jobs or as parents. We try to prove our worth through salaries, houses, cars, and other possessions. We also struggle to find our worth in the eyes of other people.
Paul's words should consistently ring true in our lives. Nothing else matters other than the fact that we are children of God. This is what defines us. This is who we are. In this, we find hope and peace. Nothing else can provide this for us.
Do You Believe It?
Even though we read this and know this, we still struggle with it- and our kids struggle with it too. As kids grow and mature they come face to face with trying to figure out who they are and if they are good enough. Everything around them says it is a competition and they should do whatever it takes to make it to the top. If they don't, they just might not be good enough. Today's teenagers find themselves grasping at whatever they can find to bring a unique identity to themselves that allows them and others to deem them worthy.
How Do You Define Your Identity?
We, and our kids, need to be constantly reminded that it is not about who you are, but Whose you are. Apart from Jesus, we are left with no hope; trying to fend for ourselves. As a child of God, there is nothing we need to fear. We can rest in the knowledge that we are a child of the King and therefore have received His glorious inheritance. That is what defines us. We need to step into this reality, release all inhibitions, and enjoy the fruits of our relationship with Christ.
Stepping up to that rope swing always made me nervous. I knew the truth that it would hold me and that I would enjoy the ride. My mind however was telling me all of the reasons I shouldn't do it. Even so, every time it was my turn, I would put my faith in what I knew, place my foot in the loop, and let go of the assuredness of the stable ground. Not once did it ever disappoint.
Paul wants us to know who we are in Christ and what we, therefore, get to enjoy. We can stand on the sidelines, make our own assessments, and continue to fight the winless, fruitless fight. Or, we can put our foot in the loop and place our faith in Christ and experience all that God has for us in a relationship with Him. Have you let go and let your identity be defined and secured in Christ? Trust me, the ride is incredible.