Rebirth

January 17, 2017 - By Aaqila Ward

On September 26, 2016, my sister gave birth to my handsome nephew. The entire pregnancy and birthing process was a new experience for me. It showed me that I have zero baby fever at the moment…lol. But seriously, it allowed me to appreciate the rebirth that believers undergo in Christ in a whole new way.

We gain a new identity.

Before my nephew was born, his parents did not wish to know the sex. They wanted to be surprised on the day of his birth. As the auntie, I could not wait. I hustled the technician to tell me the sex. My sister went in for regular check ups and the doctors were able to determine the size of the baby in the womb. They viewed the ultrasound to view the head, feet, heart and other parts of the body. There was a list of specifics that were known before the birth. However, it was not until the baby was born that he had a name. It was not until the birth that he had an identity that we could associate with him to distinguish him from other babies.

In a similar way, before Christ, there were specifics that were known about us. Perhaps it was our outer appearance, our talents and gifts, characteristics and personality. But all of those things are fleeting and will not last forever. With the rebirth of a Christian, we gain our identity based on the everlasting God. We are given our new name: Christian.

What identity do you carry?

Often times I fall short because I get prideful in who I think I am. I’ve done ____. I can do ____. I’m this. I’m that. After the spiritual rebirth, none of that even matters. Paul says it best, “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” Galatians 2:20

We portray a specific image.

When my nephew came out of the womb, he was a spitting image of his daddy. SPITTING IMAGE. Most newborns are still developing distinctive facial features. Not my nephew. He looked like his daddy. As he continues to grow and mature, he shows more resemblance to his daddy than before with behavioral similarities to add to the likeness.

As believers, we are to portray the image of God to the world. People should look at us and say, “you yo daddy’s child.” Because we serve a perfect God, this definitely takes maturing. We are not spiritually reborn as perfect beings. We are reborn with a new identity that helps us carry out the image that pleases God daily.

Whose image are you projecting to the world?

Sometimes I am more consumed in upholding a positive image of a black American or of a woman than the image of a Christ follower. While positive images of being a black woman are good, they should never exceed the importance of the image of God; because without Him, I am nothing. Therefore, I must walk in love and grace. I must bear the fruit of the Spirit. I must be obedient to the commandments of the Bible. I must allow Christ rule my life as Lord.

What are some ways that you can portray the image of God to the world?

2 Corinthians 5:17 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.