Mindy Lee Hopman

What is the greatest compliment you have ever received?

I taught English as a second language for many years. A few years ago a student brought me a picture of a street light. I could tell he spent a lot of time on this drawing and he was very proud to give it to me. I didn’t quite understand the meaning behind the picture, so I graciously said “thank you” and placed it on my desk. At the end of class, I asked him if he could explain the meaning behind the picture.

This is what he said, “You are like a streetlight. In the very dark places you shine the light so that all can see. Thank you for being my streetlight.” Tears welled up in my eyes from the fullness of my heart. I was grateful to be called a “streetlight.”

Another beautiful compliment, which I have held onto, came from my husband. Although he has given me many, my favorite one is “glue.” He complimented me when he said, “You are the glue that holds our family together.”

Those two compliments are near and dear to me. They are kind and affirming in my daily walk. I have also received many negative remarks about who I am. However, I choose to focus (and share) the positive ones.

– Sometimes we define ourselves by who we are not.
– Sometimes we define ourselves by what we don’t have.
– Sometimes we define ourselves by things we did in our past.
– Sometimes we define ourselves by our physical traits.
– Sometimes we define ourselves by our sport, school, culture, or languages we speak.

Many of these things bring us together. They shape us and bring us into community, but they don’t define who we are. If we allow our identity to be defined by only the things on the outside, we will continue to try to keep up with the things of this world. We will constantly wonder if we are good enough, and regardless of how hard we try, we will continue to fall short. As soon as we think we have arrived and have it all, there will always be new styles, friends who come and go, a bigger house to build, or new technology we just have to have.

Choosing to follow Christ makes our Spiritual identity come alive.
When He died on the cross our separation from God ended. It. Was. Finished.

– Our new identity in Christ allows for us to let go of comparisons – we are one in Him.
– Our new identity in Christ gives us a new beginning.
– Our new identity in Christ allows for us to let go of our past.
– Our new identity in Christ allows for us to accept forgiveness.
– Our new identity in Christ allows for us to forgive ourselves.

Spiritual identity is different from physical identity. This identity comes from understanding who we are in our faith from the very beginning of time, to the sacrificial love gift of the cross, to today. In our Spiritual identity, who we are is defined by whose we are.

Just a few truths about our Spiritual identity:

1. I have been bought with a price.

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. 1 Corinthians 16:19-20

2. I am adopted as God’s child.

The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” Romans 8:15

Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12

3. I am free from condemnation.

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:1, 2

4. I am a prince or princess – my father is the King of Kings!

These will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those who are with Him are the called and chosen and faithful.” Revelation 17:14

5. I am established, anointed, and sealed.

Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God, who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge. 2 Corinthians 1:21, 22

6. I am beloved.

Behold, My servant whom I have chosen; My Beloved in whom My soul is well – pleased; I will put My Spirit upon Him, And He shall proclaim justice to the Gentiles. Matthew 12:18

Yes, you are beloved – worthy of being loved. Nothing you can do can make God love you more, and nothing you can do can make God love you less. You are priceless.

You are in Christ and He is in you. Regardless of where you live, or which community you are a part of, this identity does not change.

Remember who you are…
– Your Spiritual identity may never be stolen.
– Your Spiritual identity was bought with a high price and paid in full.
– Your Spiritual identity was sealed with the blood shed on the cross…forever.

When you understand the depth and beauty of your Spiritual identity, you are able to rest in God’s mercy and grace. The fullness of God’s presence shines from within – and for that, I am grateful!

Basking in His Light

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