The Bible provides us with a framework for understanding our identity and mission as human beings. In 1 Chronicles 28:6-7, we see King David passing on some wisdom to his son Solomon, who is to succeed him as king. In this passage, David emphasises the importance of both identity and mission, and how they relate to each other.
David begins by reminding Solomon of his identity as a son of God. He says, “And he said to him, ‘Solomon, my son, may the Lord be with you and give you success and build the house of the Lord your God, as he has spoken concerning you.'” (1 Chronicles 28:6) Here, David is affirming Solomon’s identity as a child of God, and he is reminding him that God has a specific plan and purpose for his life.
However, David also emphasises the importance of mission. He says, “Be strong and courageous and do it. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed, for the Lord God, even my God, is with you. He will not leave you or forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of the Lord is finished.” (1 Chronicles 28:20) David is telling Solomon that he has a specific mission to accomplish – to build the temple of God – and that he must be strong and courageous in order to complete the mission.
The message of 1 Chronicles 28:6-7 is relevant for us today. We too have an identity as children of God, and we too have a specific mission to fulfil. Our identity is not based on what we do, but on who we are in Christ. As Christians, we are adopted into God’s family and we are co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17). Our identity is rooted in the fact that we are loved and accepted by God, not in our accomplishments or successes.
However, our identity is not separate from our mission. Just as Solomon had a mission to fulfil – to build the temple of God – we too have a mission to fulfil. Jesus gave us a mission when he said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20) Our mission as Christians is to make disciples of Jesus, and to teach others to obey his commands.
Our identity and our mission are closely intertwined. We cannot fulfil our mission unless we understand our identity as children of God. Our identity gives us the confidence and security we need to pursue our mission with courage and boldness. At the same time, our mission gives us purpose and direction as we seek to live out our identity as children of God.
May we learn to embrace our identity solely on the work of Christ and be faithful in carrying out the mission our Lord has entrusted to us. Be strong and courageous. Grace and peace.
Antioch Chapel 