“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
As we continue to look at things God might consider an “idol,” we come to a very important one: your identity. Now, you might be wondering, “Pastor, how can my identity be an idol? After all, identity is simply who I am.”
When we say identity, we are not speaking of how you act, but simply who you are. Who do you see yourself as? As a believer, you are now a child of God. Your identity is set in stone. You are HIS. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”
Yet, so many people identify themselves for what they have accomplished or what they spend their time doing. “I am an athlete.” “I am a doctor.” “I am rich.” “I am the smart guy.” “I am the pretty girl.” Whether it is through their own thought or something that others have told them, many people take on an identity or status and believe that is who they are.
This can go so far that these things become our idols. When you believe you are the “pretty girl,” you might spend all your time obsessing over your appearance. Your thoughts are dominated by what you need to do to look good. You spend all your money on makeup, your wardrobe, and photoshop apps.
If you are an athlete, your identity might be in the sport you play. You now spend all your time studying film and training to raise your level. You are as committed as they come. Even to the point that your sport has taken over the #1 spot in your life.
See, identity in itself is not an idol. But when our identity is placed in something that society has told us we are or that we have strived to be, we can go so far as to put all of our time, thoughts, and resources into becoming a certain person. And when we do, we neglect God’s place in our life.
As a believer, your identity is solidified. You are a CHILD of GOD!