A New Identity

I watched our latest rental DVD on Friday night: 'Blood Diamond', with Leonardo diCaprio in the lead role. The setting was Sierra Leone 1999, and a story about diamond smuggling. The subtext was about young boys being brutally kidnapped from their homes to become boy soldiers on the side of rebel forces. For me the most moving scene occurred when one such boy is pointing a gun at his own father, who gently approaches him, reminding him of the life they once shared and of their relationship which could now be restored. Both characters are in tears, as the boy lowers the gun and they embrace each other. His identity as 'soldier'gives way to that of 'son'.

On Saturday, I had the great privilege of sharing half a day with 40 or so key leaders from our three churches. I spoke to them of our identity in Christ, of how despite the challenges which face us in today's world, it is our identity as God's people (with which God clothes us) which is determinative for all we do and say. I also shared this quotation from CS Lewis from Mere Christianity:

‘The Church exists for nothing else but to draw men into Christ, to make them little Christs. If they are not doing that, all the cathedrals, clergy, missions, sermons, even the Bible itself, are simply a waste of time. God became man for no other purpose.’ 

It's a challenging statement, but I do believe it is ultimately what we are about: helping everyone to find a new identity. This does not mean of course that we are overbearing or manipulative; but it does mean that we are in a state of constant invitation. We hope to follow this through with a Week of Blessing at the end of this month, with the themes of Heaven, Hope and Hospitality.

Then on Sunday, it was the 30th anniversary of a couple from St Barnabas, who wanted the whole church to celebrate with them. I spoke again of the new identity, how man and woman accept the identity of husband and wife, given them by their marriage vows. From the realisation of that identity should come the necessary changes in behaviours and priorities which go with being married.

I suppose 'become what you are' sums it all up.

‘The Church exists for nothing

else but to draw men into Christ, to

make them little Christs. If they are

not doing that, all the cathedrals,

clergy, missions, sermons, even the

Bible itself, are simply a waste of

time. God became man for no other

purpose.’  CS Lewis  Mere Christianity

 

‘The Church exists for nothing

else but to draw men into Christ, to

make them little Christs. If they are

not doing that, all the cathedrals,

clergy, missions, sermons, even the

Bible itself, are simply a waste of

time. God became man for no other

purpose.’  CS Lewis  Mere Christianity