We First Belong to God

Remembering that we first belong to God—no matter which economic, religious, or political box we check—will make navigating our groups with compassion, authenticity, and growth-mindedness possible.

There is no amount of good intention, power, or resource that can save us from a corrupted flesh that needs the crucifixion in order to be raised to new life. Jesus warned the Pharisees of what can happen to even the most “devout” followers of God if they’re not careful—they’d appear righteous but be full of hypocrisy and wickedness (Matthew 23:27–28).

The reality is this: though the title “Christian” comes from the Greek word for “little Christ,” meaning we are not equals with Christ; we live in full submission to him. This allows his life to flow in and through us, guiding and empowering how we love and serve one another. As Paul said, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).

We need to hold loosely any identity tied to a group we are affiliated with because, at the end of the day, we have a higher identity as citizens of heaven. The basis of our identity is not founded on anything outside of Christ. In His holiness and love, He guides our interactions, attitudes, and beliefs about others. Only Christ can provide a guiding light; money, material wealth, and status cannot. When it comes to group-limiting boxes in our world, Jesus leads us to look beyond them to discover that all we are is in Him.

How does the concept of submitting your identity to Christ affect your thinking about group belonging? How might it change your behavior as a member of the groups to which you belong?

Was this plan helpful? We adapted this plan from Mixed: Embracing Complexity by Uncovering Your God-led Identityby Eli Bonilla Jr. Check it out for more.