What does it mean to build my identity on the cross of Christ, not just in a theological or doctrinal sense, but practically in my day-to-day life? How does embracing the cross affect my self-perception, my relationships with others, my ambitions and goals, and my understanding of suffering and joy? What does it look like to truly die to self and live for Christ, and what are some tangible examples of this in action? What are the potential pitfalls of this process, and how can I avoid reducing it to mere religious jargon or a superficial performance of piety? Furthermore, how does building my identity on the cross differ from building it on other foundations, such as career success, personal achievements, or cultural affiliations, and what unique benefits and challenges does it present?
Answer
To build your identity on the cross of Christ means to fundamentally re-orient your understanding of who you are, your purpose, and your value in light of the significance of Jesus’s crucifixion. It’s a process of transformation that affects every aspect of your life. Here’s a more detailed explanation:
1. Death of the Old Self:
- Acknowledging Sin and Brokenness: It starts with recognizing that you are inherently flawed and separated from God due to sin. The cross represents the ultimate judgment against sin, and acknowledging your own sinfulness is the first step.
- Repentance and Turning Away: Building your identity on the cross requires repentance, which means turning away from your old ways of living that are contrary to God’s will. It involves a conscious decision to reject self-centeredness, pride, and other sinful tendencies.
- Crucifying the Flesh: Galatians 5:24 states, "Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires." This means actively fighting against the desires of your sinful nature and choosing to live according to the Spirit. It’s an ongoing battle, not a one-time event.
2. New Life in Christ:
- Justification by Faith: The cross provides the means for justification, which is being declared righteous in God’s sight. This is not earned through good works but received as a free gift through faith in Jesus Christ and his sacrifice.
- Adoption into God’s Family: Through the cross, you are adopted into God’s family and become a child of God. This new identity gives you access to all the blessings and privileges that come with being part of God’s household.
- Union with Christ: Building your identity on the cross means being united with Christ in his death and resurrection. This union implies that you share in his victory over sin and death and have access to his power and grace.
3. Transformed Values and Priorities:
- Humility and Service: The cross is the ultimate example of humility and self-sacrifice. Building your identity on it means embracing a servant-hearted attitude and putting the needs of others before your own.
- Love and Forgiveness: The cross demonstrates God’s unconditional love for humanity, even in its sinfulness. It also provides the basis for forgiveness. Building your identity on the cross means extending love and forgiveness to others, even those who have wronged you.
- Hope and Eternal Perspective: The resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is inextricably linked to the cross, offers hope for the future and an eternal perspective. Building your identity on the cross means living with the assurance that death is not the end and that you have a secure future in God’s presence.
4. Living Out Your Calling:
- Purpose and Meaning: The cross provides a renewed sense of purpose and meaning in life. Instead of living for selfish ambition, you are now called to live for God’s glory and to participate in his redemptive work in the world.
- Spiritual Gifts and Talents: As a member of the body of Christ, you are equipped with spiritual gifts and talents that are to be used for the benefit of others and the advancement of God’s kingdom.
- Bearing Witness to the Gospel: Building your identity on the cross involves sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with others and inviting them to experience the same transformation that you have.
Practical Implications:
- Regularly reflect on the meaning of the cross. This can be done through prayer, Bible study, and meditation.
- Seek to live a life that is pleasing to God. This involves obeying his commands and striving to live according to his values.
- Surround yourself with a community of believers who can encourage and support you in your journey.
- Be willing to suffer for Christ. This may involve facing persecution or opposition for your faith, but it is an opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to him.
In essence, building your identity on the cross is not simply about acknowledging a historical event. It’s about allowing the cross to radically transform your life from the inside out, shaping your values, priorities, and relationships, and empowering you to live a life that is pleasing to God.
Pray This Prayer
Heavenly Father,
I come before you humbled and seeking understanding. I long to truly grasp what it means to build my identity on the cross of Christ. Lord, it’s more than just a symbol, isn’t it? It’s more than a historical event. It’s the very foundation upon which I am meant to stand, to live, and to find my being.
Show me, Father, how to dismantle the false identities I’ve constructed – the identities built on worldly success, on the fleeting validation of others, on my own flawed understanding of perfection. These identities crumble and shift like sand, leaving me empty and insecure.
Help me to understand that building my identity on the cross means embracing my brokenness, acknowledging my need for your grace, and accepting your forgiveness. It means recognizing that my worth is not tied to my achievements, but to the immeasurable love you demonstrated through your Son’s sacrifice.
Teach me to see myself as you see me – a beloved child, redeemed and made new through the blood of Christ. Help me to lay down my pride, my ego, my self-reliance, and to pick up the mantle of humility, compassion, and selfless love that Jesus wore so perfectly.
Grant me the courage to crucify my selfish desires and embrace the life you have called me to – a life of service, sacrifice, and surrender. May the cross be the compass guiding my decisions, the anchor securing my soul, and the lens through which I view the world.
Father, empower me to live a life that reflects the transformative power of the cross, a life that points others to the saving grace of Jesus Christ.
In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
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