When someone asks who we are, we usually give our name or show a drivers license, but that’s not who we are; it is just a name we are called or a few facts on a card. Who we are has a much deeper meaning. My real identification, or ID, is usually determined by what I do, by those I associate with, where I go, or even the family I have. When our name is spoken, those who have been around us form a mental picture of us and identify us not just by looks, but by our actions. For instance, in America, when someone mentions the name Tim Tebow, a mental image appears, but my brain immediately thinks about his football career and his Christian testimony. I remember how opponents mocked his celebration pose- kneeling in prayer- which became an internet meme known as Tebowing. He was a champion for Christianity in shoulder pads, loving God and football, in that order. By the way, He’s still a champion for Christianity!
If I call myself a Christian, I am taking on the name of Christ. I am identifying with Him. The word means “little Christ” or “like Christ.” In I Corinthians 3:16, we are reminded of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to those who have placed their faith in Jesus as their Savior. Our bodies become the temple, or house, of the Spirit of God. Paul uses the analogy of the temple because it was widely understood that the temple was where God dwelt by a visible symbol – “the Shekinah” – in the temple. A temple was an edifice erected for the service of God. The temple at Jerusalem was not only magnificent but was regarded as most sacred. Now Paul is proclaiming to these Christians at Corinth that Christ’s death and resurrection changed that; He no longer dwells in a temple of wood and stone but indwells within us.
I Corinthians 3:16 “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?”
In Colossians 3:17, we are told that whatever we do, we are to do it in the name of the Lord Jesus. Everything about us should represent Him well. The opinion the world has of Jesus is formed by the life of those who carry His name.
Colossians 3:17 “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”
II Corinthians 5:17 tells me I have a new nature after I accept Him as my Savior; therefore, I am to act as He would. I am to be concerned about His reputation. I remember telling my children when they became old enough to go somewhere without my husband or myself, “Behave yourself, because what you do is a reflection on us, your church, your pastor, but most of all Jesus Christ.” It’s the same way in the Christian walk; what we do is a reflection on Jesus. Everything we do should be done with Him in mind. In I Corinthians 10:31, Paul reminds us again that we are to do all we do to the honor and glory of God. Anything that would bring dishonor to Him is sin.
I Corinthians 10:31 “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”
When we live by this verse, we are leading others to Christ by our example. As I write this verse, I can’t help but think of a missionary friend who was in Kenya. They were ministering to a group of people who had no written language. Yet, many are now following Christ as their personal Savior. How? By the life they have seen in the missionaries and the words they use. They tell them orally 10 to 12 verses of Scripture at a time, in their language, by using Samburu interpreters; then they ask a series of questions about the passage to help them pull out truths and apply them to their lives. They know who Jesus is by the words and deeds of those who represent Him.
So, how do we apply this biblical principle of identification? First, think about the places you go. Do they reflect negatively or positively on Jesus? Second, think about what you say. Are your words edifying to the cause of Christ, or do they damage his character? Third, what about your reactions to situations? Do you lose your temper at work or at the ballpark? Do you talk about Jesus, but in the next breath belittle the umpire by calling him names or making fun of him? James talks about these actions. He said such things do not occur in nature, and they should not be found in man!
James 3:11-12 “Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.”
What about your appearance? Does it identify you with a certain group of people that are generally thought of as against the things of God? Does your appearance enhance or harm the reputation of Christ? I know God sees the heart and judges us by it, but unfortunately, the people around us do not. First impressions are usually what people judge us by. Sometimes we don’t get a second chance.
Personally, I want my ID to reflect the right opinion of the Master I serve, Jesus Christ. There are too many people who don’t know Him for me to miss an opportunity to tell them because of an action, speech, or appearance I may have in a weak moment, or because it’s comfortable for me. Their eternity may be at stake!
Let me also take this time to remind you that we all fail in this effort, but the key is to learn from our failures and, with God’s help, seek to do better. We are to continue daily to be a better example of who Jesus is. So, what’s your ID?
