LENTEN REFLECTION 8

EMBRACING OUR IDENTITY

” I will put My law in their minds and inscribe it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people.” (Jer 31:33)

We often think of Law as something that is imposed upon us. But we need to realise that laws define the requirements and expectations that are placed upon us. They enable us to understand the difference between right and wrong, acceptable and unacceptable. And are always for the benefit of those to whom they apply. God’s law is perfect, riving the soul! (Ps 19:7)

St Paul wrote; “I would not have been mindful of sin if not for the law. For I would not have been aware of coveting if the law had not said, “Do not covet.” (Romans 7:7b)

We need to define ourselves by our willingness to submit to God. To have this law written on our hearts, not as a condemnation but as something that sets us free to live true to the godly character that is within us through Christ. So we do not obey the law to become godly – we meet its requirements because we are godly. Deviating from God’s law will only bring heartache. Our Character in Christ can be described by God’s wishes for us expressed through the law.

One of our greatest challenges in life is to understand and embrace our identity. Our lives are full of false identities that come from us focusing on our circumstances, our ego and the expectations of the world. We spend our lives building walls around our hearts and lives, which aim to protect our “self- image.” But God offers us a different way. He offers us the way the truth and the life. But we need to embrace the change.

God offers us a life in the community of His Son – he calls it His body! We have an identity in Christ that we need to  define ourselves by.

In that identity we are free from the punishment that comes from breaking the law and can embrace the principles of the law as our character.

As we meditate upon our lives let us consider how much of our thoughts and actions are determined by our circumstance, and how much by our relation in and with Christ. How would we live differently if we rose above our circumstances, what endures, despite our circumstances, therein lies our changed heart.

The Berean Bible has the best interpretation of Philippians 4:13

“I have strength for all things in the One strengthening me.” It is the heart of Christ in us that enables us to face the challenges of life and overcome.

*Meditation*

What would my life look like if I lived out of my new heart in Christ? As opposed to finding identity in my circumstances.

*Prayer*

Lord God write you truth on my heart. Strengthen me that I may see the goodness of God even in the darkness of the world. Amen.

Do not simply believe the word, do what it says – James 1:22

Author: admin

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