11 - Embracing Our True Essence

Understanding our new identity in Christ invites us to view ourselves through an entirely transformed lens, fundamentally altering how we address our inherent human frailties and desires. This shift is not about struggling against what we are no longer bound to be; rather, it's an awakening to our true essence. Jesus illustrated this profound truth with the metaphor of faith the size of a mustard seed, teaching that such faith could command mountains to move. This principle underscores that even the smallest degree of faith in our God-given identity—minuscule as a mustard seed—empowers us to embrace our rightful place in God's design. In this position, when we petition in Jesus' name, our requests align with our divine status, making the impossible within reach. These are not ordinary requests but are made from a place of deep spiritual union with God, who has transformed us to reflect His nature.

This newfound stance is a significant departure from our pre-Christ existence, elevating our perspective to dwell on heavenly matters. It's not about the effortful attempt to focus our thoughts on the divine but an inherent knowledge that we belong to a higher, spiritual realm. Scripture affirms this, stating we are seated with Christ in heavenly places, implying a radical shift in our spiritual location and viewpoint. If our essence is spiritual and this physical realm is transient, our true residence is alongside Christ in the heavenly domains. This prompts us to reconsider our spiritual stance and outlook.

Adopting this mindset means we no longer evaluate ourselves through worldly metrics. Every action and decision is transformed because we ourselves are made new. Our journey of renewal transcends mere self-awareness of our transformation; it's not about pondering what actions our new identity necessitates. We exist in a state of "I am because I am." Our deeds and words spontaneously echo the "Who I Am," naturally and progressively. The Holy Spirit's influence in our lives is not forced but flows freely, like a spring of living water, overflowing to meet the needs of the world around us.

Jesus' teaching about cleansing the inside of the cup to ensure the outside's purity is pivotal here. We are sanctified, justified, and purified from within, which naturally manifests in our external actions. Just as a king does not need to remind himself of his royalty but simply embodies it, we, too, embody our identity in Christ. We are not constantly convincing ourselves of our status; we live out our royal priesthood because that is who we are in Christ. This realization births a life of spontaneous alignment with God's will, where our actions and being are in perfect harmony with our divine identity, offering a wellspring of life to a thirsty world.