“So if my behavior contradicts my desire to do good, I must conclude that it’s not my true identity doing it, but the unwelcome intruder of sin hindering me from being who I really am” (Romans 7:20 Passion Translation).
Beautiful. We so easily let sin define us (and those around us). Paul, here, is releasing us from that falsehood. Sin does not define us – sin is the counterfeit; it is the lie. The truth is, we are made righteous through Christ Jesus. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23 NKJV).
Do you see it? If we live in sin and have not received Jesus as Lord and Savior, then the wages of our sin will be death. However, if we are in Christ, we are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17)! “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit” (Romans 8:1).
What false labels have you allowed others to label you with that you will lay down today? What false labels have you applied to yourself? Will you lay those down today? Let the old wash away. God has promised, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:12). If He does not remember your sin, don’t dwell on it either. Let it go.
Be defined by the labels God has given you: saved, righteous, justified, saint, child of God, co-heir with Christ, royal priesthood, beloved, and so much more. Commit to not allow yourself to be given to false labels. Commit to believe what God has said about you and walk in the Light of love and grace.
Lord, expose every false label and set me free of the lies. Help me see myself as You see me so I may walk in all of your ways.
“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:2).