Finding Your Identity in Christ When Roles Overwhelm

Scripture

Our verse for today comes from Acts 8:27, “And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official to Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure.”

Background

You’ve heard the one where the rabbi, the priest, and the minister are on a boat, right? No, I’m just kidding, I don’t have a joke to tell. I was just struck by the similarity with which today’s verse sounded like the setup for a joke. At first glance, the description could seem like it was referring to three people rather than being multiple descriptions for the same individual. And that raises the question as to how many different people are you? How many titles and labels could be used to address you? How many roles do you play, and how differently do you act while carrying them out? Like the Ethiopian, your heritage, background, and history greatly affects how you carry yourself, and greatly influences your pride and self-worth. Likewise, as the eunuch is known for his physical condition, how much importance does that play in your daily journey? Does it limit you, cause you to boast and walk proudly, or is it a source of shame? And what about your job title? The court official to the queen no doubt carried great responsibility in managing the treasure of a nation. It’s common in our society for one’s job to be the major identifier of a man or woman. It’s what comes out of our mouth immediately after we introduce ourselves, and it’s the major cause for most of us to be around other people for any length of time.

Application

These aspects are merely three of perhaps dozens of ways you might be known by others and think of yourself. Of all of them, which ones are getting too much attention to the detriment of the others? Are your roles as a listener, a helper, an encourager, a giver, a cleaner, a prayer being slighted for some reason? How about your part as an understander, a rester, a forgiver? Most days, there’s a call for each of you to show up at some point. Is that particular you available when the time comes? I imagine the last thing Philip expected to find on that deserted road was what he found. Without a moment’s notice, which of you will someone find? And when that certain you is needed, will you show up and do what you should? I dare say only if the Holy Spirit brings him.

Charge

As we seek Him today, surrender all of your you’s to Christ, and be wholly connected to the One.

Editor Comment: This devotional challenges believers to stop defining themselves by titles and roles and instead surrender their whole identity to Christ.