A New Perspective On Identity In Christ That Comes With Change

What An Empty Backyard Taught Me About Letting Go and Leaning Into Who We Are in Jesus

Recently, I was able to walk with my mom and dad around their house. They have been doing some work in their backyard to clean up some old sheds. Those sheds have been back there for a long time - as far back as I can remember, anyway. They were a part of my life when I was young, they held our family’s bicycles and some of our Christmas decorations. When my grandmother died, some of her belongings wound up in there. When I got older and could help with yard work, it was those sheds that I'd go to sometimes to get what I needed. They served an important purpose across my growing-up years. So when I think of my parents' house, I think of them too.

With all of this in mind, you can imagine it was a little odd walking behind their house the other day, and the sheds weren't there anymore. I knew they were being removed because Mom had told me. They needed to go—they were old, after all (not sure what that says about me!) However, their absence struck me. I'd never seen the ground where they once stood. I'd never seen the back of my parents' home without something in front of it. With the sheds gone, I could tell how high up the house was, and I could stand with a little more room to move in the open spot. It was a strange kind of feeling that they were gone, but it was a new perspective, too. I'll remember the sheds, of course, but I’ll remember this new view too.

We so often think of our lives based on how they are, as opposed to who we are in Christ. We think we are the mother of a little child but one day they are an adult. We think we are a worker, and yet one day we are retired. We think we are independent, and yet one day our son or daughter will care for us. Galatians 2:20 tells us, "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who lives, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." You see, we are not our surroundings, we are not our jobs, and in all true reality, we are not our relationships. In Christ, we are his children, wherever we may be and whoever we may be connected to. This isn't apart from those roles, but it is what gives those roles and places meaning.

I don't know what changes you've maybe faced recently. It could be a little more significant than the removal of some old sheds. Maybe you're feeling a little lost, a little uneasy, or just a little off. I want you to know the Lord will meet you in this. Yes, enjoy the memories of the past, but try to see things from a new perspective. This is because even in the challenging changes, he is still with you. Those things weren't your identity anyway. If you know Christ, you are his child, and that will never change because of Him. I want to encourage you to join us here this month as we, his children, worship him together and follow him together. I hope to see you soon!

Your brother,

William