What if, to truly find our identities in Christ, we stop looking inward as much and find ourselves by looking outward? By participating in the greater good, the Body of Christ as a whole, in the bigger picture of God’s narrative, we find ourselves by where we fit in that Body of Christ — how our part matters, because each part of the Body functions together as a whole, not individually.
The world tells us it’s “all about you,” and worships individuality, or individuals themselves, yet this does not bring fulfillment, as more and more people are feeling lonely, isolated, depressed, suicidal, addicted, etc. Your right to the “pursuit of happiness” if focused solely on yourself, won’t bring that happiness you so desperately desire.
The Kingdom of God principles are the exact opposite — that in true community of Christians who love you, that is where you “find yourself,” who you were meant to be, your true identity as a child of God, a daughter of the King, a son of the one true God.
1 Cor. 12:12 says “the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.” The Apostle Paul goes on to explain that all parts of the body are important — there is no “lesser part,” as all function together as a whole. When we embrace this concept, the Church functions fully as God intends it to, with no division, and equal care for one another so that when one member suffers, all suffer together (v.26). In the same way, when one member is honored, all rejoice together! This is God’s plan, His design, His best purpose for you and me and anyone else who longs to belong to a greater purpose, and find their true identity.
So remember that the world will tell you “individuality is where you’ll find satisfaction,” but God’s ways are opposite. His plan is that you’ll find true happiness when you discover your identity in Him, as part of the Body of Christ, in a loving community working toward a common goal to bring the Kingdom of God to earth, as it is in heaven.
Be blessed for whatever part of the Body you are, and if you are not sure what that part is, the best way to find out is to simply serve in your local church, trying different positions out to see what seems to be what you’re naturally good at, or talk to a pastor who can help you figure out what your spiritual gifting may be.
Stop looking inward as much, and instead, try focusing outwards, towards the Body of Christ, and in that process, discover happiness through your true identity – who you were created to be!
