Identity in Christ
Where exactly does the 2021 Aston Martin DBX fit within the scores of other SUVs from exclusive (or formerly exclusive) makes? Compared to others, it isn’t as stately (Rolls-Royce Cullinan), merely showy (Bentley Bentayga), brutally fast (Lamborghini Urus), or heretical (a tie between the Lotus Eletre and the Ferrari Purosangue). A price tag of $193,000 makes it valuable, but others are costlier. A 542-horsepower twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 makes it plenty fast, but plenty are faster. Its active roll bars, fancy AMG-sourced infotainment system, and hand-stitched interior detailing all spell luxury, but it’s missing a few luxury items found in cheaper SUVs.
The core identity of the DBX seems elusive. To some, it’s just incomplete; it needs more of this or less of that to achieve its true identity. Yet to own it, drive it, or even just see it, its identity is obvious. It’s the Aston Martin of SUVs.
“DBX” may not mean much to you, but try saying its complete name out loud – Aston Martin DBX – and see how Aston Martin’s long history of excellence imparts an almost tangible identity.
This is exactly what the Bible says about you.
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:1)
With your identity in Christ, you cannot be condemned for having too much of something (quirks, weight, anger) or not enough of something else (friends, income, hair, cleverness). Your identity could not be more complete, because it is given to you through the identity of Christ. The Bible says your old life died and was buried with Jesus (Romans 6:2-4) and your “spirit is alive because of righteousness” (Romans 8:10).
Alive. Free. Complete. Perfect. It’s easy to say that about Jesus, but do you believe that about yourself?
In “Patience and Perfection,” an excellent book about a believer’s identity in Christ, author and professor Rev. Dr. Daniel Paavola explains how God’s perfection can seem unlikely or hidden. Using plenty of illustrations from restoring a Model T or taking long, contemplative motorcycle rides, Paavola unveils God’s definition of perfection:
“God’s declaration of ‘Perfect’ is true, but it takes time for us to take it all in. That’s the role of patience, one of the great spiritual gifts. But patience is not only a gift for us to exercise. Patience is the quality perhaps most married to God’s perfection. God’s view of us as perfect includes his divine patience. He declares us innocent as a timeless, eternal truth.”
You don’t have to be a perfect person to have a perfect identity. Your identity is found within the perfection of Jesus, and the perfection and identity of Jesus are within you. Like the Aston Martin DBX, learning this identity takes time and patience. So consider saying your complete name out loud – “Jesus Christ’s Henry. Jesus Christ’s Abby. Jesus Christ’s Alberto” – and see how Jesus’ history of excellence imparts an almost tangible identity onto you.
True to form, Aston Martin followed the DBX’s introduction with a hotter version: the DBX 707. Yet the public was perplexed by this moniker, which seems to reference the specific output (707 horsepower) of early Hellcats. But the 707 has “only” 697 horsepower. Maybe they meant 007. Or maybe the DBX 707 is somehow perfect within its own identity – an identity from its maker.
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