Why Christians Must Remember Their Identity and Purpose in a Divided World

“Know that the Lord is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture.” — Psalm 100:3

We are a people who have forgotten.

We’ve forgotten where we’ve come from, who we are, and why we’re here. And when you forget those three core truths, something dangerous happens: you start to build walls.

We build walls between ourselves and others. We compare, we compete, we criticize. Instead of reaching out, we pull back. Instead of laying down our pride, we elevate ourselves—thinking more highly of our own opinions, traditions, and ways of life than we ought. And in doing so, we drift from the very heart of God.

Where We’ve Come From

We didn’t make ourselves. We are not self-made. We are God-made.

We came from dust—breathed into life by the Spirit of the living God (Genesis 2:7). Every breath we take is grace. Every gift we possess is a deposit from heaven. But when we forget that we were once broken, once blind, once in need of saving—then we start to see ourselves as better than others.

The truth is, all of us were once far from God. And it is only by His mercy that we’ve been brought near (Ephesians 2:13). No one has earned their righteousness. It’s a gift.

Who We Are

We are not first Republicans, Democrats, Americans, or activists. We are not first our jobs or our social media bios. We are sons and daughters of God.

Our identity is not in our race, our income, our upbringing, or our denominational label. Our identity is rooted in Christ. When we forget that, we start to define ourselves in contrast to others. We lose the image of God in each other and begin to categorize people by how they vote, what they wear, what church they go to, or how different they are from us.

But when we remember who we are, we remember who they are too. All made in the image of God. All loved by Him.

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” — Galatians 3:28

Why We’re Here

We’re here to love. That’s the simple mission.

Not to be right. Not to build a brand. Not to win arguments or gain applause. We are here to love God and love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:37–39). That’s the great commandment—not the great suggestion.

And yet, how often do we love others with conditions? We say we love, but we hold grudges. We say we care, but we avoid the uncomfortable. We say everyone is welcome, but we close our doors—literally or emotionally—to the people God died to save.

We are quick to build walls, but slow to build bridges.

What Needs to Change

The problem isn’t just “out there.” It’s in us.

We have to return to the truth of the Gospel: that God came near when we were far away. That Christ humbled Himself to serve when He had every right to be served. That the cross was not a symbol of superiority, but of sacrifice.

If we remembered that—deeply and daily—we’d live differently.

We’d listen more and judge less. We’d reach across divides rather than retreat behind lines. We’d stop trying to prove we’re better, and instead point to the One who is holy.

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” — John 13:35

The world doesn’t need more of our opinions. It needs more of our obedience to the way of love.

A Prayer for Remembrance and Reconnection

Father,

Forgive us for forgetting.

Forgive us for the pride that builds barriers and the fear that fuels division.

Remind us again where we’ve come from—that we are Yours, not our own.

Remind us who we are—that we are beloved, not better.

Remind us why we’re here—not to elevate ourselves, but to lift others up in Your name.

Tear down every wall in our hearts. Help us to love as You love—with truth, with humility, with grace.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.