Where's Your I.D.?, Friday, May 14, 2010

Reading: Colossians 3:3, For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.

If you were recently hired for a job, you have been reminded of the wonderful I-9 form. As someone who is responsible for the personnel files at our company, I have always wondered, “What’s the point?” I’ve made sure that we have the forms for all of our employees but I’ve thought, “Come on, the only reason that we would even need these forms is if someone else came in and checked… and, like that’s ever going to happen.” Until a gentleman from the Department of Labor sent us a letter informing us that he would be coming to review our documents and information for employment. It’s amazing how quickly an apparent useless piece of paper can become an invaluable commodity. The I-9 Form is simply a “Proof of Citizenship”, to prove that you can work in the United States. With that you need to show at least two pre-approved documents to prove that you are legal to work.

Now, let me ask you a question… what is your “Proof of Citizenship” as a Christian? If someone else had to identify you for “Proof” as a Christian, what would they be able to identify as proof in your life? Notice, even with the I-9 form, the U.S. government doesn’t even simply take your word for it. There must be proof. What proof do you have that is evident to the world around you that you truly are a “Citizen” of heaven? Note in this verse, it states, “Your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” If your life is hidden because “you died”, who would they see… by what would they be able to identify you, according to this verse? Simply, they would see Jesus Christ, because you are hidden; you are dead.

Okay, men, honestly evaluate yourself… would people be able to see your “Proof of Citizenship” by the proof that you are demonstrating in your life?

How can you demonstrate your “Proof” of being a Christian today?

REVIEW

How were you able to demonstrate your “Proof” of being a Christian today?


How were you able to die to self and be hidden in Christ and what was the result?