Identity

In the time of Paul the apostle, people were identified by what they wore, as many are today: it showed whether they were rich or poor, a servant, slave, or master, what their nationality is, etc. In many of his teachings, Paul taught that we are all one in Christ Jesus members one of another there is neither male nor female bond nor free, Barbarian or Scythian, but Christ is all and in all (see Colossians 3:11). This was an important teaching in order for there to be no schism [or division] between the members of the body, as there were people of diverse backgrounds coming to Christ. He made it clearly understood that in the body of Christ we are all one people separated to God. Therefore, it does not matter what our birthplace was, our family's cultural background, our position in the community, or anything that we as humans would see as significant. What matters is our heart condition before God and our testimony before God and man, reflecting what is good and upright before the Lord. This is what defines our identity in Christ.

In today's world, following instruction is not popular, because it is not well understood. However, when we begin seeking God and trusting His word, He makes us to be able to understand His laws. However, as long as we shut Him out and will not permit Him to make His ways known to us, we will never have a clear understanding, and will walk on in darkness, subject to our own base understanding of knowledge of wisdom.

I pray that as you continue to read, dear one, the Day Star will shine in your heart and give you understanding, and will teach you to know and keep His ways. Amen.

In a letter from Paul to Timothy (a young church leader), is this teaching about women, which also has to do with identity.

1st Timothy 2:8-10 - I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.

By the words in like manner also, it shows these two scriptures are connected. It magnifies the manner in which we ought to praise and worship the Lord: through prayer, without wrath [meaning: strong vengeful anger or indignation], without doubting God (in other words, pray in faith - see James 1:6-7), and with modesty.

The women of that time showed who they were by their fine clothes and jewelry because that was their identity, but now being made one with the body of Christ it was important for them to understand that their new identity is in Christ Jesus and in him alone - the rich women and the common who were of lower standings in the community, both are sisters in Christ. There is no difference between them in Christ. Let your behavior show who you are. Dress in righteousness.

For some women, putting on makeup or wearing jewelry is a snare, and they choose to stay away from it so that vanity doesn't come between them and God. On the other hand, there are women who dress plainly and they have allowed that to define their righteousness, just as the Pharisees who dressed appropriately and said all the right things, but their hearts were ugly. I have seen and heard of this in women who are in churches today, and it saddens my heart deeply. This is still a reflection of vanity, not of the outward appearance but it is just as damaging not only to themselves but to others as well. Putting trust in our righteous appearance causes us to be deceived. Whereas being truly righteous within, is where truth lies.

Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts (Psalm 51:6)

1 Timothy 2:11-15 - Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.

The scriptures explain the discipline of the woman in the home, how she must be towards her husband as this is the basis or foundation of how she must be in the church as well. A woman who is disciplined and under subjection to her husband under God in the home, is going to be disciplined and under subjection to God in the church. In this way, God is able to use her. We know that in the last days God said He would pour out his Spirit upon His handmaidens and they would prophesy, and He has, but we must understand what, according to God's word, is the order of things. It is God who empowers us to be Who We Are to be in Him but never outside of His order.

Childbearing is not just physical it is spiritual as well. Having children gives women the opportunity to raise children a new generation for Christ, to teach them the ways of God and to follow in them. This is being fruitful and multiplying to replenish the earth with good fruit. This applies to being spiritual mothers as well. I am compelled to state that the instruction is not to shut women up in their houses to suppress them. The instruction is for women to know their place in the home, and that it is of great importance - children are a heritage of the Lord and the fruit of the womb is His reward. It is the incognisance in man that degrades what God created to be a treasure. The instruction is for women also to realize their identity and to be content with the identity they have in Christ Jesus our Savior. We are His treasure, all of us: women and men alike, whether we work for someone else or are the owner of the place, no matter the place of our birth - all those who are in Christ are His peculiar treasure. Do not let any man woman or child convince you otherwise - that you are trash, or a worthless sinner, these are opposite the doctrine of God which tells us:

2 Corinthians 5:17 - If any man [any human being] be in Christ, he IS A NEW CREATURE.

That is a statement given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit of God to Paul to give to God's people - all those who have received Christ as their Lord and Savior.

KNOW WHO YOU ARE IN CHRIST

STAND FIRMLY ON THIS FOUNDATION

Keep your identity, stay in Christ by continuing in faith, charity, Holiness, and sobriety.

Sobriety: the state of being sober; Moderation in general conduct or

character; avoidance of excess or extremes.

The opposite of sobriety is: frivolousness, self-indulgence, intoxication,

allowance, discomposure

1 Peter 3:1-4 - Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; while they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

There's so much to learn!

May God be praised and His name glorified who's Holy Spirit teaches us all things one day at a time!

God bless you all.