When I was very young I was defined by my family, and my earliest identity was in just being part of them. Yet, within my family we were individual members with distinct personalities and traits that set us apart. These differences were most obvious to the members within our family, but as we grew they became clearer to those outside. Our interactions with friends, teachers, and our community, would start to shape us in ways that would reflect those relationships. However, even as we were influenced by those groups, we still retained our resemblance to our parents and silblings.
Fast forward many years finds me no longer a child, however, I realize that I am still defined by family. I continue to be a part of my biological family, but I am part of a larger family as well. Within that broader based family I have now taken on characteristics that identify me with my heavenly Father.
I want to be known by my walk. A walk that resembles my Father by the words I speak, the fruits of the Spirit that are displayed openly in my life, and my willingness to tell others how utterly loved I am. In 1 John 2:6 the Scripture makes it very clear when it says, “The one who says he remains in Him should walk as He walked.”
When people in the marketplace recognize that I am different it is because my walk does not bear witness to the world. My walk must bear witness to the defining work of Jesus that was done on the cross. A work that not only saved us, but set us free.
It is that freedom which has set me and you apart. We are not defined by a cross that we bear, but by the One who sacrificed everything, not only for us, but as us. Jesus took our place on that cross so that our identity would for all the ages to come be eternal.
1 Peter 2:21 CSB For you were called to this, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps.