Which Box Do You Fit In?

Have you ever heard someone say, "I'm more about the Word," or "I'm more about the Spirit"? Or maybe, "I follow a traditional Christianity because it’s more genuine than modern movements like the Charismatics"? These are the labels people use to identify themselves in the Christian world. It all seems normal—until you dig deeper.

When we talk about labels or "boxes," we’re talking about identity. Identity shapes who we are, what we believe, and how we interact with the world. It’s the foundation of our being. But here’s the real question:

What is a Christian’s true identity?

Is it based on these labels we’ve grown accustomed to? Are these boxes—"Word-based Christians," "Spirit-filled believers," "Traditionalists"—enough to define who we are? Or are they just fragments, splinters of something much deeper?

The Problem with Labels

"Being in the Word" as an Identity

Being in the Word means more than just reading the Bible—it means immersing oneself in the truth of Scripture, allowing it to shape thoughts, actions, and character. Psalm 1:2 describes the blessed person as one who "delights in the law of the Lord, and meditates on it day and night." The Word of God is our spiritual nourishment, guiding us in wisdom (Psalm 119:105), strengthening our faith (Romans 10:17), and transforming our hearts and minds (Hebrews 4:12).

However, while engaging with the Word is vital, it is not our identity—it is the means by which we grow in our identity in Christ. Knowing Scripture without knowing Jesus personally leads to a lifeless faith. The Pharisees, for example, diligently studied the Scriptures yet failed to recognize the very Messiah they pointed to (John 5:39-40). Our ultimate goal is not just to know the Word but to know the One who is the Word—Jesus Christ (John 1:1,14).

The benefits of being in the Word are immeasurable: it provides spiritual discernment, renews the mind, fortifies us against deception, and deepens our relationship with God. But while the Word sustains us, it is Christ alone who defines us. Reading, studying, and meditating on Scripture is essential for spiritual growth. The Bible itself calls us to be people of the Word (Psalm 1:2; James 1:22; John 16:13). But does that define us?

Being in the Word is a practice, not an identity. It strengthens and deepens our relationship with Christ, but it is not the foundation of who we are.

"Being in the Spirit" as an Identity

Being in the Spirit means living in constant fellowship with the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to guide, empower, and transform us. It is not just about experiencing His presence in worship or spiritual gifts; it is about daily surrender, obedience, and walking in alignment with God's will (Galatians 5:25; Romans 8:13-14). The Holy Spirit is the very breath of God within us, teaching us, convicting us, and leading us into all truth (John 16:13).

Why is this important? Because without the Spirit, our Christian walk is powerless. Jesus Himself emphasized the necessity of the Holy Spirit when He told His disciples to wait for the Spirit’s coming before they could effectively fulfill their calling (Acts 1:8). The Holy Spirit enables us to overcome sin, strengthens us in weakness, and produces godly character (Galatians 5:22-23). He is our Comforter, our Counselor, and our Advocate (John 14:16-17).

The benefits of being in the Spirit are profound. The Spirit empowers us to live righteously, grants us spiritual gifts for service, and deepens our intimacy with God. He also assures us of our adoption as children of God (Romans 8:16), sealing our identity in Christ.

Yet, just like being in the Word, being in the Spirit is a practice, not an identity. If we define ourselves solely by spiritual experiences, we risk replacing Christ with emotions or supernatural manifestations. A Christian's true identity is in Christ alone, with the Word and the Spirit working together to shape and sustain our faith. Living under the guidance of the Holy Spirit is crucial (Galatians 5:25; Romans 8:13-14). Being sensitive to the Spirit and obeying His leading is part of our walk with God. But again—this is a practice, not an identity. If being “Spirit-led” replaces Christ as our identity, then we’ve missed the mark.

What Defines a Christian’s Identity?

Jesus Himself answered this question when He spoke to Nicodemus:

"Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born again." (John 3:3)

Nicodemus was a Jewish leader, well-versed in the Law ("the Word"), yet Jesus told him that wasn’t enough. Being religious, knowledgeable, or morally upright couldn’t replace the need to be born of water and the Spirit (John 3:5-7).

If Nicodemus—a man deeply rooted in Scripture—needed rebirth, then how much more do we?

The True Benchmark of Christian Identity

Jesus clarifies in John 15:3:

"You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you."

This is not just referring to Scripture. The Word is not merely a book or a doctrine—it’s a Person.

Who Is the Word?

John the Apostle reveals:

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God... The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us..." (John 1:1,14)

The Word is Jesus Christ.

To say, "I'm in the Word" while reducing it to Scripture is to misunderstand its true meaning. If we claim the Word is just knowledge, we replace Christ with intellect. If we claim being "in the Spirit" defines us, we risk substituting Christ for experiences. Jesus alone is our foundation.

The True Identity of a Believer

Our identity is not found in labels or movements but in Christ alone. Here’s what truly defines a Christian:

• Receiving Jesus, the Living Word, by faith
• Becoming children of God (John 1:12)
• Being born of water and the Spirit (John 3:5)
• Confirmed by the water, the blood, and the Spirit (1 John 5:6-12)
• Bearing the character of Christ

Nothing—no label, no denomination, no spiritual practice—should replace Christ as our identity.

The Danger of Labels

Labels might seem harmless, but they often conceal deeper issues. At best, they create division. At worst, they become tools of control and manipulation, keeping believers from the freedom they have in Christ. Many who wield these labels do so to build exclusivity rather than unity, to assert power rather than point to Jesus.

In the end, these categories might feel comforting, but they are not the foundation of our faith. Jesus Christ is. Anything else is just a poor substitute.

So, which box do you fit in?

The only true answer should be: "I am in Christ."