Identity in Christ
“ Who am I ?”
Every young person asks themselves this question . It is the challenge of childhood and the hunt of humanity to discover one ’ s identity . Society shouts to our children , attempting to convince them that they can create their own identity through the clothes they wear , the car they drive , the cause they support , their tattoos , music , job , gender pronouns , race , and sexuality they embrace . As a result , identity can change with a new pair of clothes , a new accessory , or a proclamation of gender expression .
Children are told to explore and construct their own identities based on their preferences . Due to the importance of this topic , every church , school , and family should address identity with children . This article will introduce you to identity in Christ so that we may achieve the goal of helping young people understand and live out a God-defined , Jesus-centered , and gospel-driven identity .
Identity is a clearly defined definition of self . For the Christian , identity formation is when a young person seeks to understand who they are in relationship to Jesus . Few young people know what the Bible says regarding their identity in Christ and , as a result , substitute an identity from society , peers , achievements or failures , or from family . When we do this , an identity crisis is bound to result .
A CASE STUDY ON IDENTITY
The book of Daniel provides a case study regarding the enemy ’ s identity-forming tactics . Daniel was a young Israelite taken captive by King Nebuchadnezzar and transported to Babylon . The king used three methods in an attempt to transform Daniel from a God-fearer to a Babylonian . Nebuchadnezzar targeted Daniel ’ s beliefs , desires , and identity .
Belief : Daniel and his companions were taught the literature and language of Babylon for three years . Education shapes and forms our worldview . American society has changed its views on gender identity , marriage , and sexuality because the literature and media of America have shaped its thinking .
Desire : Nebuchadnezzar let his highly valued captives eat the best food available from the king ’ s table , which was the second tactic to transforming them into Babylonians . According to the book of Daniel , the king provided food that Israelites were prohibited from eating . American culture provides sexually appealing temptations to young people and encourages them to explore , enjoy , and embrace whatever they desire .
By Dr . Josh Mulvihill Identity : Part of the Babylonian strategy was
to change the names of Daniel and his friends . Nebuchadnezzar changed Daniel ’ s Hebrew name , which meant “ God is my judge ,” to a Babylonian name Belteshazzar , which meant “ Bel has protected the king .” The obvious parallel in our time is homosexuality and transgenderism , where young people are encouraged to embrace a new gender identity and even change their names .
Just like in the time of Daniel , our young people are encouraged to take on a false identity . Many young Israelites were assimilated to the Babylonian culture as they embraced the Babylonian teachings , ate the king ’ s food , and accepted their new identity . Only a small number , like Daniel , was able to remain faithful to God . Daniel rejected the culturalshaping influences and did not waver in his faith . Daniel ’ s example applies today as our children face the same tactics that seek to shape their identity . Thousands of years later , the enemy uses the same methods and targets what our children think , their appetites , and identity . Let us be aware of the identity-assimilation process that is occurring .
24 THE RENEWANATION REVIEW