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The Makings of a Major Crisis




We have the makings of a major crisis of epic proportions taking place in our very midst. This crisis will cast many into hopelessness and despair, and has the potential to affect countless citizens. No favoritism is shown as to age, race, sex, socio-economic status, or political affiliation. One might guess that the cause for alarm might be the valid concern for ISIS, or possibly the American economy, or even the upcoming election. Others may point to our recent gas crisis. (That kind of reminded me of the rush to get bread and milk at Kroger and Walmart when there is a chance for snow!)

The crisis of which I speak is an Identity Crisis. To put it succinctly, Christians have forgotten who they are! And even more so, they have forgotten whose they are! Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 5:17 where he speaks of Christians being new creations is getting lost in the callings of the world. These voices plead for us to find “our true self” in things other than Jesus. This is a lie, and it is feeding the crisis. By contrast Christians find hope and identity in the miraculous truth that Christ now lives in us, and He is our very life (Galatians 2:20). This reality is not only a change of thinking from religion to relationship, but a change in our nature and identity from hopelessness to a living, guaranteed hope! Yes, living in the light of this new identity will affect one’s entire life.

The battle ground in this crisis involves the fragile self-esteem of so many, even believers. Confidence in Christ has been put on the back burner as religion and the world lead people to seek fulfillment in anything other than Christ, and to forget that Christ died and rose again to bring a peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:6-7). Our self-esteem should be grounded in the Gospel and the work of Christ on the cross! Jesus loves extravagantly and lives in believers so that they do not have to live life playing the comparison game, wanting what others have, trying to impress God, or living life hoping for the acceptance of others. Anxieties about belonging, worth, and competence plague our society, and Christians need to reminded that the Gospel is the remedy!

If by faith, you have accepted Jesus Christ, then you do not have to let your life be controlled by others, nor by their acceptance of you (teens or college students, read this several times!) A biblical self-esteem and new identity in Jesus Christ reminds us that we have belonging because we are part of God’s family (Psalm 100:3). What makes us important is who owns us. We are in His family (John 1:12), and according to the Apostle Paul we will always be a part of God’s family (Romans 8:37-39). The opinion of others, or number of Facebook likes we get should not dictate our sense of belonging. That is the job of the Gospel!

Furthermore, we are worth something because as the old saying goes, “God don’t make no junk!” According to John 3:16 you are worth what Jesus did for you on the cross. God so loved YOU, that His son died for you (Romans 5:8; Hebrews 12:1-2). Think of the price that was paid. We are worth an extravagant amount!

Lastly, our confidence should not be in what the world thinks, or even what we can do in our own strength. Competence comes when we know that whether hungry or full, clothed or naked, we will move forward and praise God through Christ as His strength is our foundation (Philippians 4:13). Inside the believer resides the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16), and nothing should encourage us more than to know God himself lives inside us.

The current crisis can be averted for many as Christians remind themselves of who they are in Jesus. Who am I? I am a child of God who has confidence that my worth is based on the price paid for me at the cross, and I belong to Him! When resting in these truths, by the Grace of God, I can live the Christian life, day by day. I know who I am in Christ, and I know whose I am! That is my identity.

Ashley Mofield is the Senior Pastor at White House First Baptist Church, 2800 Highway 31-W in White House, (615) 672-3266.

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