Identity

No one wants to be identified by the worst in them. Take for example Alex (all names have been changed); Alex is a recovering addict but people still identify him by his past. Or Stephanie, Stephanie cheated on her husband multiple times but would like to be known by more than the fact that she was an adulteress. Jesse lost fortune upon fortune gambling, but hasn't bet a thing in over a year. Kaylee attempted suicide but was found by her father just in time. Dustin struggled with porn for over a decade but hasn't looked at any in two years. Chris was an alcoholic who hasn't had a drink since 9/11. Grace was abused and misused. Kathy invested in stuff. Jim was a self-centered religious poser.

None of them want to be called...
addict
cheater
liar
adulteress
scammer
gambler
untrustworthy
depressed
worthless
creep
disgusting
drunk
victim
self-centered
blind
self-righteous
fake
full of hate

People who are born again, like all of the people above, want to be identified with who they are becoming in Christ...
whole
forgiven
set free
honest
price beyond measure
bought
good
worthy
over-comer
sanctified
holy
other-centered
giving
loving

2 Corinthians 5:17 says that we are a new creation in Christ. Sometimes the restoration of the old takes some time. Sometimes ancient ruins must be dug through dealt with and our lives rebuilt. However, during the rebuilding it is extremely hurtful to identify someone by the sins of their past, sins that have been committed against them and the things that they are working so diligently on to change. Last time I checked we are all sinners and have all fallen short of the glory of God. We all need the blood of Christ and we all need the grace of one another. Each of us is fighting a daily battle against the enemy. He is prowling around like a hungry lion waiting for an opportunity to devour us. Shouldn't we be more interesting in guarding, protecting and building each other up in the faith than tearing each other down by reminding one another of their identity prior to healing.

I know true confessing Christians who love God with all that they can muster who still struggle a lot with things that the have done or just the past in general... who are REALLY trying to get a hold of true freedom and wholeness in Christ. These people struggle with their identity daily and when people inside the church remind them of their brokenness a voice within them says, "See you will never be different. Why try?" But through grace, the power of the Holy Spirit, hard work and commitment these individuals will be different. Why can't we encourage them to stay the course? Let me tell you from my own personal experience getting better is hard and it is tempting to quit just about every day. However, I know that my own healing, wholeness and freedom is much more important than anyone's opinion of me. So, I will stay the course and people can think whatever they want of me. I am holding firm to God's promise that some day he will give me beauty for ashes and the anointing of a spirit of gladness instead of mourning.