Our Identity is in Christ!

In our culture I believe I can say with confidence that most people are more invested in family relationships than they are in Jesus Christ Himself.

When we are dependent on family for our support we cannot be dependent on Christ. Those who will compromise God's principles to remain friends with family are placing family above God.

The reason I say this is that we have been taught that our identity comes from our genealogy and that everything family is centered around preserving family relationships no matter what the family philosophy happens to be. This is true too of the human traditions we hold onto that God never commanded.

Mark 7:12-14 "…12 he is no longer permitted to do anything for his father or mother. 13 Thus you nullify the word of God by the tradition you have handed down. And you do so in many such matters.” 14 Once again Jesus called the crowd to Him and said, “All of you, listen to Me and understand:…"

If our interpretation of life differs from family we are inclined to never speak of the things that might make someone in this family dynamic angry or hurt. In order to accomplish the false peace we say nothing, do nothing and be nothing other than what the pack wants.

If we do think differently from the pack we go through great pains to remain silent when others are validating something with which we do not agree. The silence leaves us acceptable to the others but there remains an emptiness in our soul because of our denial of and God's principles.

Over time we might tend to give up the principles that have shaped our character in order to fit into the pack. I am convinced this is why God told us;

2 Corinthians 6:16-18 "…16 What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.” 17 “Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” 18 And: “I will be a Father to you, and you will be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty."

He said this as well to further explain why we should be diligent to make our special companions those who agree with God.

1 Corinthians 15:33-34 "33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good character.” 34 Sober up as you ought, and stop sinning; for some of you are ignorant of God. I say this to your shame.…"

We know the more time we spend with someone the more we become like them. The more time we spend with someone the more is solidified that persona in us from continual exposure to them.

It is a strange phenomena that the wicked people have a greater influence over the righteous ones. This may be true because the righteous ones are usually the minority in a group lacking support for their assertions than do the wicked people.

The righteous ones are also more likely to back down from an argument because they do not want to be the cause of conflict. Ultimately the unrighteous end up dominating the conversation able to say all they want while others in the gathering remains silent to keep the peace. Thee more we are silent the more likely we are to compromise what we know to be the truth.

It is true that most people are not very sure about what they believe, not sure enough to be dogmatic about anything. The only thing they are sure of is that they must be accepted by others at all costs, this is their identity, the identity of others.

Proverbs 12:20-22 "…19 Desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but turning from evil is detestable to fools. 20 He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed. 21 Disaster pursues sinners, but prosperity is the reward of the righteous."

God does not want us to continually strive with people over Biblical matters. We are called to say something once and if the hearer does not want to listen then we are to walk away from them. Those who continue to argue with a contentious person are throwing their pearls where they don't belong.

Matthew 7:6 " 6 Do not give dogs what is holy; do not throw your pearls before swine. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces."

We love our families, however sometimes we have to love them from afar through prayer because our Spirit does not connect with their fleshly spirit of rebellion.

If we love God we must be willing to leave behind family in order to walk with God. Ungodly family WILL hold us back from that walk.

Our desire is that family would come along with us, but often they do not.

Final message: Love family from afar, be ready to explain your dedication to Christ when they ask but move forward in holiness with others who love your God.

1 Peter 3:15 "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and be ready always to give an answer to every man who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear."

Our identity is in Christ, our family is the family of Christ. Hallelujah