In our culture today, we are told identity is ours to choose. We have the right to identify as we see fit and how we feel. The reality, however, cannot be further from the truth. We are not sovereign over our identity. When we deny this reality the issues surrounding identity become a problem of idolatry. Why? Because identity is not ours to choose in a vacuum. Identity centers upon the person of Jesus Christ. In the midst of suffering, we can be prone to question who we are, our identity. We must review and remind ourselves where we find identity. Our identity is centered upon the cornerstone who is Jesus Christ (Isaiah 28:16). The one who was rejected by men but chosen by God was the one who is the living stone. This specific living stone is building a spiritual house made up of other living stones as they rest in the cornerstone. In other words, we who place our trust in Christ, find our identity in Christ. We can only “be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (2:5). Through Jesus Christ can we see our identity as living stones. But what about those who reject Christ? They disobey the word. Thus, their identity impacts their mission. Their mission reveals their identity and points to their destiny. And it all has to do with how one responds to Christ. He is the cornerstone. He is the One who gives us our identity, and He is the One who calls us to mission.

Our identity transforms our relationships and shapes our mission. Becoming a Christian changes our relationship with God to the world. Our identity is no longer as enemies of God. Our identity is we are people belonging to God. 1 Peter 2 shows us this by using the four terms “a chosen race”, “a royal priesthood”, “a holy nation”, and “a people for His own possession” (2:9). God has chosen a community of people to be His people and to serve Him as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1). Our identity as God’s people means we reflect God by being set apart and living holy lives for His sake. By living this way, our identity informs our mission. As God’s people, we live to proclaim who God is and what He has done, namely in the gospel. 1 Peter directs us to this mission in calling to “proclaim the excellencies of him who called you of darkness into his marvelous light” (2:9). The excellencies of God are seen clearest in His saving work by bringing sinners out of the darkness into His redeeming light.

This salvation not only transforms our relationship with God but affects our relationship to the world. We are no longer friends of the world, although we still live in the world. Our identity to the world as exiles reminds us our ultimate home is with the Lord. This identity leads to a different life. For instance, we live in an overly sexualized culture where “feelings” dominate actions. However, the Apostle Peter urges his readers “to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul” (2:11). The life of a Christian should look distinct from the person who disobeys the Word of God and does whatever they feel. We must realize the Christian life is a spiritual war. We do not give in but we, who have received the Good News, must do good deeds so that even unbelievers will take notice. Honorable conduct in the midst of ridicule and suffering shine the light on the glory of God. They speak as a witness. That is why Peter devotes his time to elaborate more on this in the rest of his letter. Our relationship to the world is different because our identity and mission are different. Our identity and mission to the world are different because our relationship with God is different. Simply put, the gospel of God informs and transforms our identity and mission with God and to the world.

Reflection Questions:

1. Where do you often place your identity instead of Christ?
2. Who are you living on mission with both for spiritual growth and gospel witness?