Primary Identity
Is follower of Jesus the first thing that comes to mind when people think of me?What about you? What comes to mind when people think about you?Look at what Paul wrote the Thessalonian Christians in one of his letters,
“For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything. For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come”(1 Thessalonians 1:8–10 ESV).
These early followers of Jesus were so all in that it became their primary identity to the people around them. Rather than being identified by their career, social status, or primary language, they were known by their faith and commitment to Jesus.When people think of me, what comes to mind? Is it the vehicle I drive? The church I pastor? Is it that I love being a husband, dad, or grandpa? Is it that I’m a pilot? Or that my lawn is well manicured?What comes to mind when people think of you? What is your primary identity? I hope it’s not career, family, ethnic, or social status. If you follow Jesus, I hope that is what stands out above all.Sadly, for some professing Christians, coworkers, neighbors, and even friends barely even know that they follow Jesus. If that is the case, do they really?Paul’s point to the Thessalonians was that his work in witnessing and church planting was made easier because of the reputation that these believers had among their peers. Everyone already knew of the transformation that Jesus gives because of the lives and witness of those who believed the Gospel. They couldn’t help talking about what Jesus did for them, so much so, that everyone around them knew about it.Which is really what Jesus had in mind when he told his followers just before leaving earth, “You will be my witnesses” (Acts 1:8).It’s good to know that you are mom, a lawyer, latino or polish. Don’t hide the things that make you, you. But more than anything, if you follow Jesus, he is your #1 identity. Everything else pales.Is that what comes to mind when people think of you?