Identity

 

Photo by Laurie Collett 2024

Until recently, most people had never heard of NPD, or National Public Database. But now, because of possibly the largest ever breach of individual US personal data, millions or even billions of Americans have their Social Security Number, email and physical address, phone number, and/or passwords exposed on the Dark Web, potentially for sale to the highest bidder.

Although the breach apparently happened in April, the news did not surface until August – plenty of time for bad actors to do considerable damage, unbeknownst to the victims. 

Imagine finding out – too late – that your identity has been stolen. The thief has opened accounts, taken out loans, and received health care in your name; mortgaged your house to the hilt; sold your property and pocketed the proceeds; fraudulently claimed and received an income tax refund; destroyed your credit; wiped out your savings; and left you with mounds of credit card debt. Your accounts are frozen, you can’t access funds from your paycheck, and you will be evicted from your home.

Ideally, you find out in time to reverse at least some of these losses and to protect yourself from further danger. Ironically, these remedial steps involve countless hours of disclosing the stolen data, and more, online, to identity and credit monitoring bureaus, government agencies, and law enforcement, leaving the victim to wonder whether they are improving their situation or exposing themselves to further harm.  

Although born-again believers (John 3:3-8) are far from immune to identity theft, we can have the peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7) and joy in our salvation (Habakkuk 3:18). Our identity is secure in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, Who died on the cross to pay for our sins, was buried, and rose again the third day (1 Corinthians 15:1-4), so that all who trust Him as the only Way (John 14:6) to Heaven have eternal life (John 3:16).

Our balance sheet may look dismal, but our self-image is unblemished, for we are made in God’s image (Genesis 1:26). Society and false friends may look on us as no better than paupers, but we know that we are royalty, daughters and sons of the King, betrothed to Jesus Christ Who owns the cattle on a thousand hills (Psalm 50:10) and joint heirs with Him! (Romans 8:14-17). We are fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God! (Ephesians 2:19)

Our clothes may be tattered, but we are clothed in Christ’s perfect righteousness! (Isaiah 61:10). When God the Father looks at us, He no longer sees our sin, for Christ has paid our sin debt in full. Now God sees only the pristine holiness of His Son, now miraculously deposited to our heavenly account (Romans 3:25; 1 John 2:2).

Our earthly treasures may be decimated, but we have laid up treasures in Heaven that no thief can steal and no physical process can damage (Matthew 6:20). Work done for Jesus with the right motive and souls led to Him will be eternally rewarded with crowns (1 Corinthians 3:13-15), which we will cast at Jesus’ feet in gratitude for our salvation (Revelation 4:10).

We may lose our country club privileges, but we still have access to the most exclusive club of all! One day we will enter through the straight and narrow gate of Heaven (Matthew 7:13-14), beautiful beyond imagination (Isaiah 64:4; 1 Corinthians 2:9), where we will never die, age, or experience pain, sorrow or sin (Revelation 21:4). We will have infinite time to enjoy our loved ones and new friends in Him, and even Jesus Christ Himself, seen face-to-face and known as He now knows us! (1 Corinthians 13:12).

Despite the exclusive and top-tier rewards of Heaven, membership is all-inclusive, open to whosoever will call on the Name of Jesus Christ to be saved! (Acts 2:21; Romans 10:13). So if your identity is not yet secure in Him, trust Him as your Lord and Savior today! Your financial identity could become compromised, but once you become His follower, you will never lose your position or privileges in Him!

Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ! (Romans 8:35-39). In Him, our identity, soul and being are held tight in His hand, which is firmly gripped by the hand of God the Father (John 10:28-29) and sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise (Ephesians 1:13).

While my husband and I were at our beach house, our dinner conversation turned to venting our frustrations and anxiety over the growing perils of the world we live in – not only cybercrime, but war, terrorism, political upheaval, pandemics, natural disasters, and Christian persecution, among others. Praise God that these are predicted in His Word, signaling His imminent return (Matthew 24), and that they are but temporal and fleeting concerns compared with the peace and joy we will experience in our eternal home! (Romans 8:18).

Indeed, God calmed our fears by showing us a beautiful sunset, pictured above, a reminder of His faithfulness in governing the universe and His amazing creativity and artistry. Such vivid colors and dramatic shapes would not be possible without the clouds in the evening sky, just as the trials and dark moments in our life contrast with and thereby enhance our appreciation of His many blessings.

And to top off His visual love letter, He presented us with a half-circle rainbow, as seen below, a symbol of His faithfulness and protection! (Genesis 9:11-17). God is good, all the time, and we can be secure in our identity in Him!  

Photo by Richard Collett 2024

© 2024 Laurie Collett