Beware of Identity Traps
Leaders are as tempted as disciples to walk in foolish and sinful ways as they engage in discipleship and investing their lives in the next generation. A biblical understanding of identity provides the framework and background from which leaders can build and grow.
Theological Foundation of a Redemptive Personal Identity
When Christ pierced the veil of humanity, His mission was simply to do the will of His Father (John 6:38). One aspect of the will of the Father is to reconcile and redeem a rebellious humanity back to Himself (Gen. 3:15). Thus, Christ’s mission was complete when He died, rose from the grave, ascended, and was seated at the right hand of God. Moreover, His departure from earth provided a way for the Holy Spirit to come and indwell God’s people baptizing them into one spirit and making a new person (1 Cor. 6:19-20, 1 Cor. 12:13, & 2 Cor. 5:17). Thus, these new creations (Christians) are first and foremost identified as children of God (Gal. 4:5) through the work of the Spirit (Titus 3:5-7) based on faith (Eph. 2:8-9).
These born-again Christians (John 3:7 & 1 Cor. 15:50-57) can now walk in a manner pleasing to God (2 Cor. 7:1) and continue struggling through trials having their faith matured as they seek God’s wisdom (James 1:2-7).
This new humanity’s manner of walk will thus be in congruence with Christ’s manner of walk, which is modeled in humility and servant leadership (John 13:5-19). They are not identified by their behavior, but their actions vindicate their faith in the same way Rahab’s and Abraham’s faith were vindicated by their actions (James 2:14-26). Thus, a redemptive personal identity is based upon an exchanged life—Christ’s life for the lives of His people.
Furthermore, although the Christian’s behavior does not identify them as God’s children, but vindicates their profession of faith, they nevertheless will not always walk in a manner pleasing to God. Thus, marker of a Christian’s maturation is a walk of confession (1 John 1:9). The Christian—above all religious people—understands that God’s solution to mankind’s sin is sufficient for his salvation and sanctification, and so he turns to Him in faith as he confesses his sin.
Definition of a Redemptive Personal Identity
In the New Testament, the word, redeem, is used in four passages (Gal. 3:13, 4:5; Eph. 5:16; Col. 4:5) and carries a connotation of exchange or buy back. As it relates to exchanging personhood, Paul’s letter to the Galatians provides insight on the fact that Christ’s redemption was an exchange of His life for the life of His people. He became cursed so that His people would be blessed. Therefore, Paul states in Galatians 4:6-7 that God’s people are no longer slaves but heirs of God.
Thus, a redemptive personal identity revolves around the objective fact that the person and work of Christ was given on behalf of God’s people in exchange that they might receive adoption and become heirs of God. The Christian’s identity is now rooted in Christ, and therefore Paul will say, “…the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.”[1]
Thus, the definition of a redemptive personal identity is the identify formed in a person through faith in Christ that exchanges their life for His life, in order that they may become beloved children of God and heirs according to the promise of eternal life.
Scriptural Support of a Redemptive Personal Identity
Henri Nouwen in his book, In the Name of Jesus, brings to light the three temptations that Christ faced in the from the devil (Matt. 4:1-11) and how those relate to us today:
- Temptation One – To be relevant[2]
- “And the tempter came and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” (Matt. 4:3)
- In the same way Jesus was tempted by the devil to identify in his action or behavior, so too are the people of God. This is a false identity.
- Temptation Two – To be spectacular[3]
- “Then the devil took Him into the holy city and had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down; for it is written, ‘He will command His angels concerning You’; and ‘On their hands they will bear You up, so that You will not strike Your foot against a stone.’” (Matt. 4:5-6)
- In the same way Jesus was tempted to identify Himself by what He could do, so too are the people of God tempted to believe that their identity is in their giving others something to say about them. This is a false identity.
- Temptation Three – To be powerful[4]
- Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory; and he said to Him, “All these things I will give You, if You fall down and worship me.” (Matt. 4:8-9)
- In the same way Christ was tempted to succumb to the identity that He is in control, so too are the people of God tempted to identify themselves by the positions of power or authority over others. This is a false identity.
However, before Christ was tempted, He heard the words of His Father, “…This is My beloved Son…”[5]
In the same way, the true biblical identity is that, as a Christian, I am a beloved son or daughter of God. There is not one thing the devil can say to change this fact, because it is based on the person and work of Christ. Thus, a biblical understanding of a redemptive personal identity is rooted in an understanding of Christ’s life exchanged for mine.
The practical results of a leader understanding their identity in Christ is the fruit of the Spirit, which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-25).
As Christian leaders investing their lives intentionally in discipleship ministry, their embrace of their Christian identity directly impacts their effectiveness with their disciples.
In the negative:
- Number one, insecurity is removed.
- Understanding identity provides security in Christ, not in the affirmation of disciples or followers.
- Number two, favoritism is removed.
- Understanding identity looks to the heart, not the presentation.
- Number three, jealousy is removed.
- Understanding identity allows a leader to be happy when other leaders are effective in their ministry.
In the positive:
- Number one, appropriated sacrifice ensues.
- Understanding identity removes the need for perpetual presence, but instead enables prudent participation.
- Number two, diversity of personhood is accepted.
- Understanding identity welcomes and encourages respectful challenges and myriad points of view.
- Number three, edification of fellow leaders ensues.
- Understanding identity promotes the building up of other leaders in the ministry.
The challenges faced by Christian leaders could not be more apparent and felt. However, an understanding of identity cultivates the soil where seeds that take time to grow can flourish.
God help us all!
[1] New American Standard Bible (The Lockman Foundation, 1995), v. Gal. 2:20.
[2] Henri J. M. Nouwen, In the Name of Jesus: Reflections on Christian Leadership (Chestnut Ridge, NY: The Crossroad Publishing Company, 1989), 30.
[3] Nouwen, 53.
[4] Nouwen, 75.
[5] New American Standard Bible, v. Matthew 3:17.
— April 21, 2022