By Olayemi Olawuni
Every good parent corrects bad habits in their children during their formative years. For instance, a good parent would correct a child who unconsciously opens their mouth and keeps it open. Such children are often told that their teeth may begin to protrude permanently beyond their lips.
Children with the habit of thrusting out their chest disproportionately are also warned to desist from doing so. This is because such a habit may later become part of their identity in life, and not in a good way. The examples mentioned above are just two out of many habits that can develop into a permanent negative identity as a child grows into adulthood.
Many such examples abound everywhere. Another example is when a girl is told to cover her body properly, especially when sitting. Many ignore such correction, and it later becomes an issue for them in adulthood.
An individual is often recognized by what they do or by what has happened to them. Such a person is accepted, rejected, or related with based on this reality. In time, this becomes the individual’s identification.
Christ’s resurrection is very significant and remains a highly distinguishing mark of the Christian faith. Out of the birth, crucifixion, burial, and resurrection of Christ, the resurrection stands out as the most significant. Although all are important, because without one there cannot be the other, Apostle Paul made the matter clear in 1 Corinthians 15:14 by saying that without the resurrection, our faith is in vain.
This clearly shows that the resurrection is the hope of the Christian faith. It is the central proof of victory, power, and eternal assurance. This is not seen in any other faith or belief.
Therefore, the resurrection is the identification of a Christian. This is what a Christian is known for: the cross, the risen Christ, and the hope of eternal life. Anyone who does not believe in this is none of His.
What do people know you for? What is your general identification? What is that quality of yours that overshadows all your other qualities?
Jesus Christ was once identified with death. No one can describe death as good, pleasant, or desirable. But He rose again, hallelujah, and that resurrection changed everything.
I believe this is the desire of everyone: to move from bad to good. It is the assurance that a negative identity does not have to remain forever. The resurrection gives hope that a life once marked by shame can become a life marked by grace.
If you have been bad, you can become good. If you have been unwanted because of the things associated with your life, you can become desirable. Through Christ, what was once broken can be made whole again.
Jesus Christ was left alone in the tomb. No one came near Him except the guards, who were there to make sure He did not rise again. But when He rose, everyone sought Him.
Lazarus was dead, buried, and stinking. No one came near him because death had made him undesirable. But when Jesus Christ proclaimed resurrection over him, he arose and became accepted by people again.
You, too, can rise again from lying, deceitfulness, fighting, backbiting, stealing, waywardness, fornication, covetousness, and every other sin that easily clings to a person. You can be truly loved by God and by people again. Your past does not have to remain your permanent identity.
The power and Spirit of Him who raised Jesus Christ from the dead will do the same in your life. His power is still able to transform, restore, and renew. What seems dead in you can live again through Him.
Believe, call Jesus Christ into your life, and you shall be saved. Receive Him, trust Him, and walk in the newness of life He gives. In Him, your identity can be changed forever.
— Olayemi writes from Ile Ife
