This morning I am still thinking about “identity”. Most of us would agree on two things: 1) our identity is found in God and not in what we do and 2) our identity is found in who God says we are.
No matter where we live, we are all family, adopted into God’s family upon salvation (see John 1:12; Romans 8:15). He lavishes His love on each one of us, extending His grace to us throughout our lives (see 1 John 3:1).
Most days, I know this and walk in this truth. Yet there are days, when asked my occupation that a sinking feeling can set in. Our occupations often do bring us identity and a sense of security. But may we remember this regarding identity:
- We are the branches. “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches.”
(John 15:5, NLT) - Jesus never changes. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8, NLT)
Branches change with the seasons. There are seasons in which the branches are green, lush, and fruitful. And then there are those seasons, where the cold winds blow and they are bare, empty, and seemingly, unproductive.
Changes can be uncomfortable and often frightening. But as long as our lives remain in Him, although we experience changes, our lives remain established and secure.
May we remain focused on the condition of our souls –
“Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thanksgiving.” (Colossians 2:7, NLT)
As we grow in Christ, we will come to gain confidence and recognize our purpose and worth; growing in our abilities and attempts at new ventures. We will no longer fear the changes in the seasons of our lives but will embrace each one, knowing God has more in store for us.
But it will always stem {{no pun intended}} from knowing who we are in Christ.
No matter where we live or what we do, while we experience changes, Jesus will never change. Instead, He is with us as we go through the changes.
“Yes, I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit for apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5, NLT)
Stay connected to Jesus – He is the Vine.
Remember our identity – we’re branches.
And therein lies the secret to identity and productive lives.
Today I am joining … Thought Provoking Thursday and Looking Up .
Amen. One of my favorite descriptions in Scripture! How easy it is to forget our source and supplier! Thanks for sharing this : ) Blessings!
May we remember our Source & Supplier this week!
It amazes me how many ways we get our identity in today’s world. Keeping our focus on Christ is the only way. Enjoyed this post. Checking you out from Amy’s Looking Up party.
May we get our identity from only One Way & through one Person > Christ.
I love John 15 too. A pastor challenged us to read this chapter for 30 days in a row. It was fascinating and challenging what God taught me during that month. There’s so much truth packed in it. I love how you added more depth by tying it to Colossians 2:7… that we actively need to encourage our roots to grow down into Him.
What an interesting challenge! I may just try that soon. Thank you for sharing!
I’m always challenged by this metaphor, and love all the connections to my own identity in Christ and in His body. Blessings today!
Michele, not only am I always challenged by this metaphor, I am continually amazed at all I continue to learn from it.
I hadn’t really thought before about branches of the vine being fruitful at times and bare and seemingly unproductive at other times. Thanks for pointing that out. I think we tend to panic and get concerned when we are unproductive but the picture of the vine reminds us that we need not worry. We just need to stay connected to Jesus.
I’m beginning to realize more & more that even the seemingly unproductive times serve purpose beyond what I can see. May we stay connected. That is all we need to do.