Transformed – teen devotion – January 12, 2020
We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
Romans 6:4
20/20 Vision: See Identity Better
What do you see when you look in the mirror? Who do you see looking back at you? Who are you really?
We can answer that question in many ways. We can answer based on relationships: We’re sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, friends and neighbors, boyfriends and girlfriends. Within those relationships things might be going well or they may going poorly.
We can answer that question based on wins and losses. Academic grades can tell a story about you. So can successes or failures in sports and “likes” and “dislikes” with friends on social media.
But even the biggest wins don’t last and the best of grades can be followed by a horrible quiz result. It mirrors the story of sin in our lives. A good day is followed by a bad day. Loving words can instantly change to whining and complaining. It’s really a story littered with sin, failure, and disappointment.
There is a better story about you and your life. The next time as you look at yourself in the mirror, remember this: We were buried with Christ, and we were raised with him (Romans 6:4). Paul wants us to see that our identity and the story of our lives is intimately connected to the story of Jesus’ life. His victory is your victory. His life is your life.
Try this challenge. Post the following three words on your mirror to help you see who you really are in Christ.
Covered: All your sins, failures, and shortcomings are covered by his blood. They are forgiven, and they are gone.
Clothed: You are clothed with the perfect life of Jesus. You get credit for all the good things that he did. You are perfect, holy, and good in God’s sight.
Shielded: Every moment of your life is shielded by his power. He is guiding and guarding your life—all of it.
Your true identity is found in Jesus’ win for us at his cross and empty tomb. We are covered, clothed, and shielded by him.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, when I look in the mirror this week and every week help me to see who I am in you. I am covered, clothed, and shielded. Amen.
