Finding True Identity and Transformation in Christ.

Reflecting on this past sermon, I am reminded of the profound call we have as followers of Jesus to live out our true identity in Him. The message centered on the transformative power of Christ—how He is our new life, our identity, and the one who shapes every aspect of who we are. It’s a reminder that our faith isn’t just about believing but about actively putting off the old self and putting on the new, Christ-like character.

One of the key points I want to share is how Paul urges us to see our lives through the lens of our new identity in Christ. As he says in Colossians 3, “since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven”. This isn’t just a nice idea; it’s a call to orient our minds and hearts toward what is eternal, not just what is temporary here on earth. When we do this, our perspective shifts, and our actions follow suit.

The sermon also emphasized the importance of actively putting to death the old sinful habits—things like anger, greed, malice, and dishonesty. It’s not about trying harder but about surrendering these habits to Jesus and trusting the Spirit to renew us. Paul’s words, “put to death,” remind us that sin isn’t something to be managed casually; it’s something to be decisively dealt with, just as we would with anything that harms us or others.

Furthermore, the message about “putting on” the character of Christ—mercy, kindness, humility, patience, love—is a beautiful picture of how our outward actions reflect our inward transformation. These qualities aren’t just behaviors to imitate; they are the wardrobe of a disciple, rooted in our identity in Christ. When we wear these clothes, we stand out in a world that desperately needs love and grace.

I was particularly struck by the reminder that renewal is ongoing. Paul encourages us to be “renewed as you learn to know your creator and become like him”. This isn’t a one-time event but a lifelong process of sanctification—becoming more like Jesus each day. It’s about surrender, not just effort, trusting that the Spirit is at work reshaping our desires and reflexes.

Finally, the call to live as representatives of Jesus in everything we do and say challenges me to consider how my daily actions reflect my identity in Christ. Whether in conversations, decisions, or how I treat others, I want to be intentional about showing Jesus’ love and grace.

As we move forward, I encourage each of us to reflect on what “stains” or “camouflage” we might need to remove—those habits or attitudes that don’t reflect who we are in Christ. Let’s ask Jesus to renew us and help us live out our new life boldly, standing out as His witnesses in a world that needs His light.

Remember, our true identity is found in Jesus—He is our new life. Let’s embrace that truth and live it out every day.