April 17, 2012
Comfort Zone: Letting
Go of Old Identities
Transformational Thought
Sometimes I like to ask people, “Who are you?”
It’s interesting to hear the responses. Some give their name … others give
their occupation. Another answer is a role the person fills in his family or
organization. Not many share their real identities, what makes them, them … uniquely
them, the one deep inside with a wonderful and distinctive blend of
characteristics.
In my practice, I treated a very interesting
lady, whose experiences that could fill several lifetimes. As we worked
together, she was able to free herself from a lesbian lifestyle and enter into
a beautiful and enjoyable journey with God. She tells her story this way.
"If you had asked me if I was born gay, I would have given you a
resounding “yes.” Now, I realize I was not born gay, and I am not defined by
the fact that I lived as a homosexual. When I came to God, He redefined me as a
woman wonderfully made to honor Him by being a follower of Christ."
Often we define ourselves by a lifestyle, a role
we play, or some of our personal characteristics. Whether these definitions are
joyful or painful, good or bad, represent success or failure … they are comfort
zones. And even when we come to Jesus, we might be reluctant to let go of some
or even most of them because in our minds those are our comfort zones.
People who are in or coming from a homosexual
lifestyle might consider the gay world a safe place. People caught in a
workaholic mode base their worth on their accomplishments and successes. Being
a mother, a church leader, an indispensable worker, a good friend … allows us
to feel more control as we develop our earthly identities. But when we come to
Jesus, it is vital to let go of those identities and come to recognize who we
are in Christ.
You see, we have only 2 identity options. Option
#1, your identity is based on who you are under your own power and based on
your own personality. Or option #2, your identity comes from who Christ is and
what He has done for you. Then the rest of your life is filled with responses
to the option you chose. The former is weak, has lots of limitations, and is
heavily weighted by inadequacies, failures, and fears. The latter has unlimited
power, potential, opportunity, and joy. When you look at it that way, the decision,
and yes, it is a decision, is a pretty easy choice to make, I would say.
Today, even though you may still be struggling
with old habits, be encouraged that you can let go of the old definitions. This
doesn’t happen overnight, but it can occur, one step at a time. Know that your
most important identity is in Christ. There’s no better time to start making
better decisions than today. Take a paper and make 3 columns: one titled “old
Identity,” the next “new identity,” and third, “what would I believe differently
about myself if I believed I were this new person?” Write in 5 elements of the
old identity and fill in the next 2 columns for each. You are a new creation!
God has a great plan for your life and He is worthy of your trust. With the
empowering of His Holy Spirit, you can fulfill this new identity God has
prepared for you! Remember, your life is your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Mighty Creator of Everything, I thank You
for transforming me into a new creation when I became a follower of Christ. I
still tend to see myself as "the old me." Please help me to see
myself through Your eyes - cleansed and made new. The more I believe it, the
more I will practice it, and the more I practice, the more I believe. I know
the more I practice, the more proof You will give me so I can really believe,
deep in my heart that You have made me into a new creation. And help me
remember that no matter what other roles I play in life, my number one identity
is always "a follower of Christ." I pray this and all prayers in the
name of the One I follow, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new
creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
2 Corinthians 5:17
