This is Us
The most potent organizations in the world are those in which individuals possess a common group identity. There’s a shared sense of “This is us. This is who we are. This is how it’s like us to act.”
One of the clearest examples of this is seen in the United States Marine Corps where they share the identity of “the few…the proud.” Such words both unite and define. “This is us. This is who we are. This is how it’s like us to act.”
The most potent organizations in the world are those in which individuals possess a common group identity. There’s a shared sense of “This is us. This is who we are. This is how it’s like us to act.”
The Marines don’t necessarily win every battle they fight. But they act like Marines in every situation they face.
The top corporations – from Chick-fil-A to Starbucks…from Microsoft to Nike – also have a shared sense of identity. Leadership has established a culture and continually reminds those within the organization of it. “This is us. This is who we are. This is how it’s like us to act.”
When a group of disparate individuals shares an identity and lives out that identity, the chance for success in their mission – whether it’s on the battlefield or the marketplace – is great.
When a group of disparate individuals shares an identity and lives out that identity, the chance for success in their mission is great.
The Identity of the Body of Christ
The Apostle Paul saw the value of group identity in the churches he planted. And in his letter to the believers in the city of Colossae he underscored it.
“Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.” Colossians 3:11
Do you hear what he’s declaring? “Here…in this community…things are different from the rest of society. We don’t let our differences define us. Rather, we live in accordance with our group identity. We are united in Christ and submitted to Christ. This is who we are.”
Then Paul goes on to write…
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Colossians 3:12-14
He is listing behaviors that should mark this shared identity and set the people of God apart from the world. “Therefore, as God’s chosen people…in light of who we are, this is how it’s like us to act.”
A Call to Leaders
Friends, this is such a timely reminder. In this challenging season, I’ve been distressed to see the group identity of the Body of Christ compromised. We seem to have forgotten who we are and how it’s like the people of God to act. Instead many have taken on the identity of other groups – Republican, Democrat, Conservative, Liberal.
Behaviors and attitudes that are common to the world – anger, selfishness, harshness, accusation, impatience, bitterness – have all too often become the norm among those who claim the name of Jesus.
My brothers and sister, such things simply should not be.
In light of this, leaders in the Church must firmly, yet lovingly, remind their people of their group identity as the family of God. We need to, in no uncertain terms, declare, “This is who we are and this is how it’s like us to act.”
Leaders in the Church must firmly, yet lovingly, remind their people of their group identity as the family of God. We need to, in no uncertain terms, declare, “This is who we are and this is how it’s like us to act.”
And when we witness a violation of this, we need to call for repentance. Gently, personally reminding them, “Come on now. That’s not who we are. That’s not how we behave.”
To be sure, there will be some who will object to such courageous leadership. They want to define themselves under a lesser banner than that of the Body of Christ. They want to be able to say whatever they want and act however they wish. And to be called out may result in them opting out.
Yet to allow such attitudes and behaviors to go unaddressed will end up fracturing the fellowship and stunting the mission. And, as a result, it betrays our Founder.
But, if we will embrace our identity as the family of God, and live in ways that are consistent with that identity, then in the midst of this “warped and crooked generation,” we will “shine like stars in the sky” (Phil. 2:15). And isn’t that why we are here?
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