“When someone speaks of identity, it goes far deeper than just your name and gender. Even the world attributes identity to character traits and habits, such as being identified as a drunkard because of constant intoxication. So, if the world identifies us in this way, what does God identify or picture us as? Remember, your identity carries your whole personality.
In (Genesis 2:7), we see that the first man, Adam, possessed something that gave him life – a spirit from his Maker, not his own spirit. This set him apart and made him distinct. Similarly, in John 6:63, we learn that the Spirit gives life, and the flesh profits nothing. As God’s children, we operate in two dimensions – the Spirit world and the physical world.
However, one identity comes first, and that’s the physical or fleshy identity but it’s not the most important as it does not live for ever! Our actions in the flesh create an image or identity among others in the world and also shape our identity in the spirit realm. In [1 Corinthians 15:46-49], Paul explains that the physical comes first, then the spiritual. He highlights the importance of bearing the image of heaven, just as we have borne the image of the man of dust.
Paul creates balance between the two identities, showing that we should live in the world but not be of the world. We should carry a heavenly image or identity, just like Jesus Christ. Our bodies can’t inherit the kingdom of God, but our spirits can. Our actions determine our image or identity, and our actions will be judged by the Lord Almighty.
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters in Christ, to take on the new identity of Christ, the second Man from heaven, who gives life to all who believe, love, and obey Him. Living righteously according to His law will give you a righteous identity before God and man, both on earth and in heaven. Return to His image and attain His identity, and you will live in harmony on earth and forevermore in eternity!”
The Hallowed Sage
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