I wrote about the Division Property of Zero in my most recent blog post and that got me thinking about other math properties that I teach my students. The Identity Property is one of them. In mathematics, an identity is defined as a transformation that leaves an object unchanged. With regard to addition, that would be zero (13 + 0 = 13), and in multiplication, it is one (13 x 1 = 13). The best way I found to explain it is by asking my students what they see when they look in a mirror. Answer: Themselves! That’s their identity. Or is it?
What is Your Identity?
When it comes to Jesus, He has a knack for turning things upside down, including the Identity Property! As Christ followers, we choose to put our faith in Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Our identity is found in Him and Him alone.
But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.
John 1:12 NLT
Out with the Old, In with the New
We are a child of God, a new creation, redeemed and forgiven. Unlike a mathematical identity, when one’s identity is found in Christ it is a transformation that leaves us radically changed!
This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!
2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT
All Because of Jesus
Our new life would not be possible without Jesus. Keep that in mind as you gather with friends and family to celebrate His birth in the coming days.
She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.
Matthew 1:21 NIV
The Ultimate Gift
That is cause for celebration! Jesus truly is the Ultimate Gift, one to be treasured anew each day.
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.
Luke 2:11 NIV