Our youngest daughter (and sixth child) will graduate from college this spring. I remember helping her pack for her first semester. She debated about taking an old fleece jacket she’d gotten in middle school. We discussed the fact that college students wear college-emblazoned t-shirts and hoodies, no longer associating themselves with their pre-high school days. She decided to leave that jacket behind, seeing herself instead as part of the university.
When applying for jobs now she includes on her resume only her most recent educational accomplishments. During interviews she won’t mention the charter school she attended from kindergarten through 8th grade. While part of her past, that season of her life is done. Soon she’ll be a college grad–her true identity. Similarly, after turning 21 she got a new drivers license. As a legal adult she doesn’t carry around her learner’s permit. It no longer represents who she is.
Spiritually, every believer also has a new identity. But how do you see yourself? Does your past define you? Do you wear your former failures and foibles around everywhere you go? The way you see yourself affects the way you talk to yourself, what you expect, and even how you pray!
People who see themselves as accident prone expect mishaps and setbacks, as if they were jinxed. Those who feel less intelligent often put themselves in a box, with little hope for advancement in the future. Some who see themselves as perpetual victims refuse to take responsibility for their actions–overreacting to small incidents, or throwing lots of pity parties. What we believe about ourselves has incredible power in shaping our future.
Who knows the truth about our identity? God says that we are new creations when we put our faith in Him —the old has gone, the new has come! (2 Corinthians 5:17). For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3). Or as Paul put it, I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me (Galatians 2:20).
If our past no longer defines us and if we truly are one spirit with the Lord (I Corinthians 6:17) then why would we limit ourselves? Instead, we should be the most grateful, most joyful, and least self-conscious people around. We can confidently throw out those old labels and free ourselves from past shackles. We can walk in freedom knowing that, . . . all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ (Galatians 3:27). God has given us a new spiritual garment!
When we see ourselves as God sees us, we can also pray without fear of judgment or rejection. We can expect to receive what we need. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16). Let’s throw out our outdated clothing and start wearing our robes of righteousness.
Thank you, Carrie – very helpful. 🙂