Identity
Read John 4:5-30, 39-42
The Christian life is a life full of opportunity. We have opportunities - invitations from God - to rest, work, serve, celebrate, grieve, and so much more. In our many opportunities as Christians, we often find that the challenging part of navigating it all is based on our ability to remember our identity in Christ.
Noah Webster defined identity as sameness, as distinguished from similitude and diversity. Consider this definition in the light of the passage of scripture you just read.
Imagine this exchange in your mind. The woman’s responses: “But I’m a Samaritan.” “I’m a woman.” “But I don’t have a cup.” “I don’t have a husband.” God cares very much about how He made us, how uniquely wired us, the circumstances of our life, and our relationships. This passage shows us that He cares even more about knowing us and being known by us.
Much like the Woman at the Well, we attempt to find our identity in the things of this world. Three times the Messiah, this woman's Maker, replied to her statements about who she was, how things operate in her culture, and her relationship status. As modern readers of this historical encounter with Jesus, it is safe to safe that - to us - she known by her encounter with the Messiah.
This woman received the gift of God. Jesus Christ Himself revealing to her that He is the Savior of the world. Through this passage of Scripture, we learn that she entered into the most important relationship of her life, and then, in turn, we learned that she invited others to do so as well.
Our roles, relationships, and titles are fleeting. This world and its opposition to God’s Kingdom will pass away. Our bodies - the flesh - which resists the things of God will return to dust. If ever these things become our baseline for who we are, our connection to reality - our identity - becomes skewed. We must contend for our identity to be found in Jesus Christ. We must live countercultural lives, using the roles, relationships, and gifts we have been given to steward to build His kingdom. We must always return back to finding our identity in Him and encouraging others to do the same.
When we live like this woman; A woman who encountered the Christ revealed as the Messiah and moved to tell others to do the same, we are living from our truest identity.
When you are tempted to find your identity anywhere and in anything but in Christ, remember, we are who we truly are based on the only relationship that ultimately matters: Our relation to Christ. With our identity being rooted and grounded in Him, we will find joy and delight in pointing people to follow our worthy Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ.
Be inspired by this unnamed woman at the well. Be your true self in Christ. Fulfill the ultimate purpose for your life. Participate with God in His redemption plan for this world. Build His Kingdom by simply being you.
Reflection Questions
What is identity? What role does identity play in our lives?
Why do we need to remind ourselves of our identity? What pitfalls might we avoid by disciplining ourselves in this habit?
What is a major barrier for you when it comes to knowing, believing, and expressing through your life that you are a believer and your identity is in Christ?
Ask the Lord to help you identify someone in your life who isn’t living from their God-given identity. Prayerfully consider this person and ask God His perspective on how you be of best service to Him for His plans in their life. Write down what He shares.
If you believe God has compelled and released you, consider and record ways that you can uniquely walk with her to share who God is and who He says that she is in Christ. How can you specifically help her to identify her unique gifts from the Lord and encourage her in ways that she can glorify Him with them?
