The definition of identity is who you are, the way you think about yourself, the way you are viewed by the world and the characteristics that define you. Each of us has a unique identity and the ability to impact certain aspects of our identity. There are characteristics which FATHER has imparted into each of us when HE formed us in the womb. There are other characteristics which we have the ability to impact over time. These include the way we think about ourselves and the way we are viewed by the world. These aspects help define our future walk and our growth in various areas.
There is an old wise saying, “You become like the company you keep”. If you run around with lawless types, you will ultimately become lawless yourself. If you surround yourself with those who are successful, you will likely be more successful in life. If you read many books on self improvement, you will surely develop better habits which will serve you well in life. If you are lazy and make no decision to change lazy habits, you will probably remain lazy and be seen as lazy by those who encounter you. These are some of the areas where you can impact your future.
Our words are indicative of who we are. Jesus spoke in Matthew chapter 12:
33 “Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit.
34 Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.
35 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.
36 But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.
37 For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
The summation of our fruit is very informative to us of who we are. What we do, where we go, and what we spend our money on all reflect who we are. When our annual tax season has arrived, I am acutely reminded of who I am when I go back and look at the past year. Have I grown or have I digressed? If someone looked at my life, who would they conclude me to be? Has my fruit increased in the areas of blessing others? Have I represented The Way of Jesus and reflected His priorities?
Many want to be called Sons and Daughters of GOD but in order to be one, we must take on the identity of Jesus Christ. We must take on His characteristics, not expect to endorse ours which are distinctly separate from His Way. Above all, we should be increasing in the revelation of unconditional Love and producing more fruit in this area. Only then do we truly begin to have an identity change. In the end, when asked the question who are you, we should be able to confidently state, “I am Love”.