Living for Christ in a Conflicted Culture

Called to Be Saints: Embracing Our Identity in Christ

In a world that often blurs the lines between culture and faith, it’s crucial for believers to understand their true identity and calling in Christ. As we navigate the complexities of modern life, we must remember that we are not just casual churchgoers or cultural Christians – we are called to be saints.

The term “saint” might conjure images of statues or individuals floating three feet off the ground, living lives of unattainable holiness. However, the biblical meaning of “saint” is simply “set apart.” This designation isn’t reserved for a select few who perform miracles or live extraordinary lives of service. Instead, it applies to every follower of Jesus Christ.

Just as we have everyday dishes and special occasion china in our homes, God has set us apart for His unique purposes. We are His “special dishes,” called to reflect His character and carry out His mission in the world. This calling isn’t about achieving perfection, but about embracing our identity as those who belong to God and are empowered by His grace.

The early church in Corinth serves as a powerful example of the tension between cultural influence and godly calling. Corinth was a city known for its moral depravity – a mix of the worst aspects of modern-day Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York. To be called a “Corinthian” was an insult, implying loose morals and untrustworthiness.

Yet, in this challenging environment, God established a church. The apostle Paul addressed them as “the church of God that is in Corinth,” emphasizing their belonging to God rather than to the city’s culture. This subtle distinction reminds us that while we live in the world, we are not to be of the world. Our primary allegiance is to Christ, not to the prevailing cultural norms.

Paul’s words to the Corinthians highlight three crucial aspects of our calling as saints:

1. We are called by God: Our identity as saints isn’t something we achieve; it’s a gift we receive. God initiates the relationship, extending an invitation similar to a wedding call. How will we respond? Will we say “yes” to Jesus and allow Him to transform us, or will we politely decline and miss out on His purposes for our lives?
2. We are equipped by God: When God calls us, He doesn’t leave us ill-prepared for the task. He promises to enrich us “in all speech and all knowledge” and ensures that we lack no spiritual gift necessary for His work. This equipping isn’t based on our own merit but on His grace freely given to us in Christ.
3. We are sustained by God: The journey of faith isn’t always easy, but we have the assurance that God will sustain us to the end. Like a parent holding the hand of a child who wants to run off, God’s grip on us is secure. Even when we try to pull away, His faithfulness remains constant.

As we consider our identity as saints, we must also remember the foundation of our calling – the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ. The practice of communion serves as a powerful reminder of what Christ has done for us. His body was broken, and His blood was shed to establish a new covenant between God and humanity.

The early Corinthian church had lost sight of the significance of this sacred meal, turning it into an occasion for division and self-indulgence. Paul’s corrective words remind us of the gravity and beauty of communion:

“For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus, on the night when he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, he also took the cup, after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.’”

Each time we partake in communion, we proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes again. It’s a moment for self-examination, confession, and renewal of our commitment to Christ. For those who don’t yet know Jesus, it’s an invitation to experience the transformative power of His love and forgiveness.

Living as saints in a complex world requires intentionality and dependence on God’s grace. We must continually ask ourselves:

• How are we allowing culture to shape us, and how are we shaping culture as followers of Christ?
• Are we living in a way that reflects our identity as those set apart for God’s purposes?
• How can we experience God’s peace that surpasses understanding, even in the midst of turbulent times?

The call to be saints isn’t a burden but a privilege. It’s an invitation to experience the fullness of life in Christ and to be part of His redemptive work in the world. As we embrace this identity, we can trust that the One who calls us is faithful. He will equip us for every good work and sustain us until the day of Christ’s return.

In a world hungry for authenticity and hope, let us shine brightly as saints, not perfect people, but those who have experienced the transforming grace of God and are living out His purposes. May our lives be a testament to the power of the gospel, inviting others to experience the love and freedom found in Jesus Christ.

As we go about our week, let’s carry the fire of our calling with us. May our identity as saints not be confined to Sunday mornings but permeate every aspect of our lives. In doing so, we honor the One who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light.

Devotional

A 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide based on Living for Christ in a Conflicted Culture