Identity Crisis

Scripture Invitation

As we prepare our hearts for God's Word, I summon your senses and invite your intellect to the book of Genesis 1:27.

It is there that the Holy Spirit has highlighted our context for our brief sermonic time together this morning.

Bible Passage

Genesis 1:27 CSB

So God created man in his own image; he created him in the image of God; he created them male and female.

Ladies and gentlemen, brothers and sisters, on this auspicious occasion of Black History Month, I stand before you today to address a pressing matter of utmost importance – the identity crisis that plagues our people.

We find ourselves so deeply entrenched in the notion of blackness that we forget the very essence of our calling as God's people.

In our quest for black empowerment, we have inadvertently created a self-imposed limitation.

We have confined ourselves within the boundaries of our race, forgetting that God's purposes extend far beyond the realm of color.

Brother’s & Sisters, it is essential for us to reflect on our identity, not only as Black people but as the chosen people of God.

Our lives, experiences, struggles, and achievements are undeniably intertwined with the rich tapestry of Black history, but we must never allow our identity to be solely defined by the color of our skin.

Today, I want to share with you a profound truth, a truth that transcends racial confines, a truth that reminds us of who we are truly called to be.

Context

Genesis Chapter 1 recounts the magnificent act of creation.

Initially, the earth was formless and covered in darkness.

However, God's commanding word brought forth light, and He continued to speak, shaping the sky, land, and sea.

Then, He did something extraordinary.

God declared, "Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us."

Genesis 2:7 further reveals the intimacy between God and humanity.

Genesis 2:7 CSB

Then the Lord God formed the man out of the dust from the ground and breathed the breath of life into his nostrils, and the man became a living being.

Unlike the rest of creation, we were personally handcrafted by God.

Our existence as living beings began when God shared His own breath with us.

This divine act emphasizes the personal relationship between God and humanity.

To be created in God's image means that we share qualities and characteristics with Him.

Application

Pause for a moment and let the weight of these words sink in.

We were not created to reflect the identity of any earthly label or race, but rather the image and character of our Creator.

Yet, in the midst of the hustle and bustle of life, in the face of adversity and discrimination, it is all too easy to forget our true identity.

We become consumed by our "Blackness," seeking validation and acceptance solely from our racial heritage.

We are Black and We are Proud!

You are black and your proud, but do you love Jesus?

You are black and your proud, but do you love your neighbor as your self?

You're bold and fearless, but do you show love and compassion to those around you?

You're resilient and unapologetic, but do you practice forgiveness and understanding towards others?

You're confident and strong-willed, but do you spread positivity and kindness in your interactions?

You're passionate and determined, but do you prioritize harmony and unity in your relationships?

You're unique and empowered, but do you extend a helping hand to those in need around you?

Brothers & Sisters, this is an identity crisis.

Imagine for a moment what it would be like if we were fully focused on living out our true identity as God's people.

Imagine the impact that would have on our lives, our families, and our communities.

Imagine the transformation that would occur if we reflected and revealed the character of God rather than being preoccupied with the color of our skin.

So, who are we called to be as God's people?

In Matthew 5:16, Jesus tells us

Matthew 5:16 CSB

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

We are called to be a light, shining brightly in the darkness, showing the world the love, grace, and mercy of our Heavenly Father.

What does it mean to be God’s people?

What does it mean to shine our light before others?

It means to be Compassionate:

Demonstrating empathy and care towards those in need, showing genuine concern for their well-being.

It means to Love:

Choosing to love others unconditionally, regardless of differences or past conflicts.

It means to be Kind:

Being intentionally gracious and considerate in our words and actions, seeking to uplift and encourage those around us.

It means to Forgive:

Extending forgiveness and letting go of resentment or grievances, showing grace towards those who have wronged us.

It means to be Humble:

Recognizing our own limitations and shortcomings, and approaching others with a posture of humility and respect.

It means to stand for Justice:

Standing up for what is right, speaking out against injustices, and working towards equality and fairness for all.

It means to be Generous:

Sharing what we have with others, whether it be our time, resources, or talents, in order to bless and uplift those in need.

It means to have Integrity:

Consistently aligning our actions with our values and principles, being trustworthy, and living out our faith in a genuine and authentic way.

It means to be Peacemaking:

Striving to reconcile conflicts, seeking harmony and unity among individuals and communities.

It means to be Faithful:

Remaining steadfast and committed to living out our calling as God's people, even in the face of challenges or adversity.

The character of God is multi-faceted, and as His people, we ought to reflect those facets.

We are called to be compassionate, just, forgiving, and humble.

We are called to break the chains of injustice, fight against systemic racism, and advocate for the marginalized.

We are called to love our neighbors as ourselves, regardless of their skin color, ethnicity, or background.

Brothers & Sisters, it is time for us to break free from our identity crisis.

Let us no longer allow the world to define who we are but seek to live out our true identity as God's people.

Our journey towards self-discovery begins in the quiet moments with our Heavenly Father, allowing Him to reveal the depths of our true identity.

In 2024 let us remember that our Blackness is just one part of the beautiful mosaic that makes us who we are.

Our true identity lies in being the redeemed children of God, transformed by His love and grace.