Avoiding Identity Theft!

We have all been warned about our identity.  We have been told to guard our credit reports, keep our credit cards and pin numbers private and to avoid questionable sites when purchasing.  We know this, we do this, but sometimes, we still are subject to  IDENTITY THEFT.  

Criminals are getting bolder in their attempt to scam us.  They call the elderly and pretend they need personal information to help us. This can result in a scam that can cost us dearly.  Others pretend to be IRS agents calling to collect on a debt; but somehow... this government agency does NOT have your social security number or address??   Scams and identity theft are the new norm for people to gain a lifestyle they want, at someone else's expense. 

IDENTIFYING WITH CHRIST 

This thought of operating under an identity that is not yours is not new. The bible talks about the Seven Sons of Sceva- they thought they could benefit from a relationship with Jesus that they did not have.   

"God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them. Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, “In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.”  Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this.  One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding."  

Acts 19:11-16

There is really nothing new under the sun. 

Do you realize that every day we live a life that we have not earned?   A life that was paid for by another?  Every day we enjoy benefits of a debt being paid and we didn't have to lift a finger to pay, we just had to accept it.  The bible says that Jesus made Himself of no reputation and willing took on our sins.  So today my life is hid in Him, He has paid for all that I enjoy today.  My identity is now in HIM, the only difference is that I didn't have to steal it, He willingly gave it to me. 

IMPORTANCE OF IDENTITY 

Our identity is important, especially in Christ.  As believers we know that who we are is not determined by what we do, but what we do is determined by who we are.  If we don't know WHO WE ARE, we don't really know what to do!  Certain things we can avoid because of who we are.  Even when we mess up and find ourselves in a bad place, WHO WE ARE calls to us, it reminds us we are better than that.   Much like the prodigal son, even in his lowest point, he remembered.   I GOT A DADDY WHO LOVES ME AND HAS MORE THAN ENOUGH!  I am His child and He will provide for me.

SECURE YOUR IDENTITY!

So if you find yourself lost or living beneath your means, remind yourself who you are.  The righteousness of God in Him,  The head and not the tail, A Child of God, an Ambassador of Christ, His Beloved.   Don't allow the enemy to steal from you an identity that has been freely given to you and paid for by the One who loves you.  He only has good intentions for you and He has given us His identity as a child of God, we have access that we have not earned, don't let the enemy rob you of that.  Live your best life in Him!