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True Individuality. One of the most exciting aspects of the mystery of Christ. No two are alike.
I Corinthians 12:12-14 For as the body is one, and has many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body; so also is Christ. For by one spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Gentiles, whether slave or free; and have been all made to drink into one spirit. For the body is not one member, but many.
Romans 12:4, 5 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same function; So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
I love the mystery of Christ, one of the most important aspects of which is the truth stated above. It is in Christ that a person’s true potential individuality will be realized and will blossom into unique fruitfulness.
In Christ, it’s okay to be like anyone else. Or to be completely unique. In Christ is where there is true sexual and financial liberation.
Galatians 3:27, 28 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. (Where) there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Most people don’t really know who they are, or what their importance in life really is. Deep down inside, they sit on the throne (of their own making) of God, making judgments and decisions concerning life (their own and others’), the whole time being lost in darkness. This constant struggle to establish their own God-ness only hastens their own demise.
II Corinthians 10:12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves; but they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
This is the life of those not in Christ. Pushing and shoving, shoving back, arguing, stewing, all to establish their place in life. But what are they anchoring their being to? ….. To other people and what they think those other people think, for the most part. But there is so much more available!
II Corinthians 5:17, 18a Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creation; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things (new) are of God….
If all things of the new creation are of God, which creation is found to live, move and have its being only in Christ, then Christ is our anchor, our identity, our foundation, purpose and glory. And when a man or woman is in Christ and has put on Christ, then they, being a true expression of Christ, are the rock, the foundation, the center of all of life.
Do you think this too good to be true? Well, have you found your center, your fulfillment in anything else?
II Corinthians 5:21 For He (God) has made him (Christ) to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
If you are the righteousness of God in Christ, then what else or where else could you possibly be that would be more righteous, more complete, that would make you more fulfilled? In my whole lifetime, I’ve only ever seen a person fully enjoying who they are, where they are and what they’re doing when that person is in Christ.
The church epistles (so called, because they are the Scriptures intended for the church, the body of Christ) declare this over and over again. That our identity is found and is to be established only in Christ. And that, being established, there is a limitlessness of expression of that identity….unable to be judged or herded or corralled into a confined space by anyone! In Christ, we have total freedom of expression. In Christ, our individuality is fulfilled and complete; in Christ there only remains to live out the expression of that fulness, that completeness, that righteousness.
But it takes courage to be truly unique. Don’t look to the religious world, to churchianity, to give it to you, or to assist you in expressing your uniqueness. If Jesus Christ himself, by means of the Holy Spirit within you, is not the only one supplying and guiding you in this quest for the establishment and expression of your unique individuality, then it is not truth or freedom at all.
Ephesians 4:15, 16 But expressing the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things who is the head, Christ; From whom the whole body is fitly joined together, and is compacted by that which every joint (relationship) supplies, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part (every believer), makes increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
This true individuality begins in Christ, and it continues in Christ. It never, never, ever reverts back to standing approved before, or needing to be “okayed” by any man, whether he be an apostle, a pastor, a highly published evangelist, or even the head of a multi-million dollar ministerial society or church.
Stake your life on the Lord Jesus Christ. Stand approved only before the One who fathered him, and your true individuality and freedom of expression will begin to manifest itself…..to yourself and to others. You have a totally unique life to live…..in Christ is the only place that can happen.
Galatians 3:3 Are you so foolish? Having begun in the spirit, are you now brought to (spiritual) maturity by the flesh?
Be bold. Grow in confidence. Make mistakes….in the spirit, and be taught by Christ himself, via that spirit. It’s never sin to make mistakes in the spirit. In Christ there is no sin. So stay in him, and grow in your fullness of being.
Colossians 2:6, 7 As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him; Rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith, as you have been taught (by him), abounding therein with thanksgiving.
The more you grow in, and appreciate, your own true individuality in Christ, the more you will view others as unique beings. See yourself through the eyes of God, and you will see others the same way. Since God sees each one of us as an eternal being who will express His gift of life in a totally unique and wonderful way which benefits all others, so you will see others the same way.
Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world (by seeking others’ approval), but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may be able to prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God (for your own life).
This development of your true spiritual individuality cannot happen when you identify yourself as a member of any group other than the body of Christ……if you submit to any authority other than Christ. Rather, God has designed man for maximum effectiveness and individuality…..in Christ. And all of creation is eagerly waiting for this to happen!
Romans 8:19 For the earnest expectation of the creation waits for the manifestation of the sons of God.
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Other related studies:
The Gift of God’s Righteousness
What EXACTLY God wants from you.
Aspects of the Mystery of Christ
The Mystery of Christ
Greet the Saints
