Christians value their identity among the people of God more than any other platform (1 John 2:18-19) because the Spirit of God dwells in each of us and binds us in Christ together (1 John 2:20-27).
Scripture Reading:
1 John 2:18-21 CSB
18 Children, it is the last hour. And as you have heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. By this we know that it is the last hour. 19 They went out from us, but they did not belong to us; for if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us. However, they went out so that it might be made clear that none of them belongs to us. 20 But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth. 21 I have not written to you because you don’t know the truth, but because you do know it, and because no lie comes from the truth.
Application:
What do we do when Christianity becomes socially inconvenient?
- Critically evaluate the benefit/loss of our social networks. Which meets your greatest need (i.e., forgiveness of sin)? The church is the only social group that enjoys atonement for our offenses against God. The gathering of the church is the place where you are reminded of this, built up in it, and encouraged to deepen your identity in God.
- Curb associations that compete for your identity. Our work and hobbies and entertainments and families and citizenship and…can compete for our identity. We may need to curb how much we seek identity in these.
- Cultivate your identity in Christ and the church. Praying through the church directory and reading the church covenant can help. As you participate in the Lord’s Supper, be mindful of the person sitting behind you and beside you.