How to Have an Unshakeable Identity and Confident Character in Christ
John the Baptist had a firm identity and a strong character.
He was known as “The voice of one crying in the wilderness” (Matthew 3:3)
He was confident in his purpose and identity.
He knew why he was sent here on earth.
To “prepare the way of the Lord and make straight His paths” (Matthew 3:3)
What made John the Baptist unshakeable in his identity?
1. He wasn’t swayed by popular opinions, man’s praise, and the world’s doctrine
Jesus says this about John the Baptist;
“What kind of man did you go into the wilderness to see? Was he a weak reed, swayed by every breath of wind?“ (Matthew 11:7 NLT)
A lot of people change their mind when culture changes their opinions.
People want to fit the mold of what others want them to be.
But what does God say about you? That’s what matters.
John knew what the Word of God said about him.
“I’m just the voice of one crying in wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight”
2. He was bold, but humble
John says this about himself in contrast of Jesus:
“I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”(Matthew 3:11)
John was destined to lead many to the Lord, but he knew that his impact was that of a man.
It’s only God who truly carries the glory. Man can baptize thousands of souls with water, but only Jesus can baptize with the Holy spirit and fire.
You may have a gift, talent, or skill, but only God imparts the anointing that impacts the heart.
Only God can speak to the hearts of man in a way that leads them to Him.
3. He wasn’t soft
“But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses.” (Matthew 11:8)
He was strong in spirit and character.
He wasn’t delicate or effeminate.
He wasn’t concerned about the appearances of this world.
4. He was ‘more than a prophet’
“But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet.” (Matthew 11:9)
You’re more than a prophet.
You’re more than a pastor.
You’re more than a waitress.
You’re more than a Walmart employee.
You’re a child of God.
You’re a servant of the Lord.
The Spirit of the living God dwells within you.
Ministers get lost when they mix their identity with their title, position, career, or accomplishments.
John was a voice crying out in the wilderness.
5. He sought the Kingdom of God with fire and passion
“And from the days of John the Baptist until the present time, the kingdom of heaven has endured violent assault, and violent men seize it by force [as a precious prize—a share in the heavenly kingdom is sought with most ardent zeal and intense exertion]. (Matthew 11:12 AMPC)
“Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33)
When you serve God, He will meet your needs.
When your mission is God’s mission, what can come against you?
“If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31)
When your finances are to expand God’s Kingdom, God will expand your finances.
Those who move in a strong sense of purpose, move with passion, and God shows up in mighty ways.
“Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” (Jeremiah 33:3)
Jacob said to the Angel of the Lord, “I will not let You go unless you bless me!” (Genesis 32:26)
Sometimes you have to wrestle for a new name (identity) before you receive a passionate purpose.
6. He didn’t ‘play the role’ according to how others thought he should
“But to what shall I liken this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their companions, ****and saying:
‘We played the flute for you,
And you did not dance;
We mourned to you,
And you did not lament.’ (Matthew 11:16-17)
Your identity and purpose will affect how you move.
Not everyone is going to agree with you. Not everyone is going to understand you.
You just gotta be you. They’ll judge you either way.
“For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is justified by her children.” (Matthew 11:18-19)
Many rejected Jesus because He didn’t fit the role of the Messiah that they had in their minds. They rejected John the Baptist because he didn’t meet their standard of what a prophet looked like.
Your ministry won’t always please man, but it doesn’t have to. It’s called to please God.
7. The world was worthless to him, glorifying God was his purpose.
“Now John himself was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey.” (Matthew 3:4)
He was foreign to the pleasures and appearances of this world. (Galatians 2:20)
He was a living sacrifice. (Romans 12:1)
He lived a discipled lifestyle of self-denial. (Luke 9:23)
He sought God’s glory on his life, not his own. (1 Corinthians 10:31)
Know who you are
We need less prophets and more voices in the wilderness.
We need less ministers standing in Jordans, and more in their purpose.
You don’t have to be like anyone else.
Just be you.
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