identity vs futility

We must be objective about our sinful nature, not seeing our failings as our total identity. Paul saw this nature as a separate law at work in him. “ . . . it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me” (Rm 7:17). The sinful part of our nature wars against us (Rm 7:22) but is not the “I” that we know of as our identity.


Satan tries to get us to believe that we are the sin that wars against us so that we will eventually feel that it is futile to live a Christian life. He is known as the “accuser of the brethren,” (Rev 12:10) and his lies cause us to lose hope in becoming Christ-like, our true identity.

But God does not see our sinful nature as our identity. He aids us in the war against it by giving us something stronger whereby we may overcome; the Holy Spirit. If God thought we were a futile venture, why would He have sacrificed His Son so that He could send us His Spirit?

Overcoming our sinful nature is a process, not an event. Anywhere along the way we can be convinced that it is a futile venture, for we see our failures and weaknesses. What helps our sense of futility, but hope and trust. We hope in our eventual victories. We trust our outcome to the Author and Finisher of our Faith. We believe in His goodness, and that He will works good in us and in our lives (Rm 8:28).

Who are we in Christ, but His beloved. No lie of satan can separate us from His love (Rm 8:37-39). His promises to us are sealed by the Spirit He gave to us. Today let us hope in the work of the Holy Spirit within us, for this is God’s provision for our overcoming. Let us forsake all thoughts of futility and trust in His love, for our sins are not our identity, He is. Amen.