"I'm an addict in recovery - that label will always define who I am no matter what."
How it sounds in your head: After all these years, I'm still introducing myself that way. Every meeting, every support group - 'Hi, I'm [name] and I'm an addict.' Even my kids probably see me that way. Will I die with this label?
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."
-- 2 Corinthians 5:17Enemy strategy to keep past identity active when Christ made you NEW creation.
Recovery culture reinforces the label daily through meetings and introductions. After decades of this identity, it feels more real than what God says.
Five failed marriages, living with man number six, whole town knew her shame - that's why she came to the well at noon to avoid people. One encounter with Jesus and she left her waterpot, ran to the SAME TOWN that shamed her, and they believed because of her testimony - instant transformation from town scandal to evangelist.
I REFUSE the lie that addiction is my permanent identity. IT IS WRITTEN that I am a NEW creation in Christ - old things PASSED AWAY. I am not 'Jane the addict' - I am Jane, DAUGHTER of the Most High God, RIGHTEOUS by His blood, FREE by His finished work. IT IS WRITTEN that whom the Son sets free is free INDEED. My past does not define me. My label is BELOVED, not broken. The enemy has NO legal right to that old identity - Christ CRUCIFIED it on the cross.
The Father doesn't see you through the lens of what you were enslaved to - He sees you through the lens of His Son's blood that purchased your COMPLETE freedom. While you were still using, He was already running toward you with the robe of righteousness, not the name tag of shame.