In the 1970s, police in Delray Beach, Florida picked up a woman known to her neighbors as “Garbage Mary.” Mary appeared to be delusional and destitute, she was clothed in rags and plundered through the garbage to eat. When they searched her two-bedroom apartment, authorities discovered that it was filled with trash. Garbage was found stuffed into her cabinets, stove, refrigerator, and bathtub.
It turns out that “Garbage Mary’s” true identity didn’t match up with her destitute ways. Mary was the daughter of a deceased lawyer, and was a certified millionaire. She owned oil fields in Kansas, Mobil Oil stock worth $400,000.00 and multiple large bank accounts.
“Garbage Mary’s” true identity was that of a millionaire, but she lived like a pauper. She was the child of wealth and privilege, but she lived off of the trash of others.
How often are Christians just like that with their spiritual lives? In 1 John 3, we read, “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.” Do you live as a child of the King? If people were to investigate your spiritual life, would they find evidence of your relationship with Jesus? Would the people in your life be surprised to learn that you are a Christian, or does your lifestyle reflect your privileged position as a child of the King?
If your identity is rooted in worldly things, it will be a regularly changing identity. But, if your identity is rooted in Christ, you can be satisfied in whatever the world brings your way. When your identity is rooted in Christ, your spiritual home is built on the solid rock that is Jesus and your faith can withstand the storms of life.
Be known for who you are in Christ and who he says you are. The situation and circumstances of your life may change, but they don’t change who you are or to whom you belong. 1 Corinthians 6:20 says, “You were bought with a price.” God loves you and purchased your redemption.
Root yourself in Jesus and be known as his child. You may do many other things in this life, but your primary identity must always be linked to the one who died for you on Calvary.
