We scampered into the lobby, blown in by the chilly South Plains wind. Removing my jacket, I noticed a couple of large galvanized steel trash cans on either side of the main doors to the sanctuary. One can was filled with black rocks, the other with white rocks. Friendly greeters instructed us to take one of each as we made our way inside and found our seats.

I ask your forgiveness in what I do not remember about that evening. What I do remember has stuck with me for over 30 years. I don’t remember the topic the speaker addressed. I don’t even remember the speaker’s name – only that what he said on that cold spring day would profoundly affect my perspective from that moment forward. And I sat in the pew with two rocks in my hand.

At some point in his talk, the speaker brought the black rock and the white rock into his discourse. He said we all come into this world as black rocks – consistent with the biblical truth that we’re all born with a sin nature (Psalm 51:5, Genesis 8:21, Romans 3:23). Some choose to live under the rule of that sin nature throughout their lives. They reject God and His influence over them, ultimately opting to be put out of His presence for eternity.

In contrast, others hear the cosmic story of God and about His reign over His world. They learn that He is the Creator, that He’s pure and holy, and that He created us out of deep love and a desire to bless and care for us. They come to understand that our rebellion against Him has caused us to be separated from Him, that He longs to restore our broken relationship with Him, and that He made a way for that to happen through His Son Jesus Christ. They learn that Jesus willingly left the glory of heaven to come to earth and live the perfect, unblemished life that we’re incapable of; that He laid down that life on the cross in sacrifice for our sins; and that He rose from the grave to bring reconciliation with God the Father - from the moment of salvation through all eternity.

At the moment that they take to heart all that God has done to restore our relationship with Him, their identity changes – they become a white rock. They – we – literally become a new creation! Our old identity as a black rock ceases to exist, and we are brand new! “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17 – ESV)

The speaker’s simple explanation of the basic difference between believers and unbelievers was cleverly illustrated with the two different types of rocks. But his following remarks brought even more clarity.

The “black rocks” of the world are fully capable of behaving like “white rocks” – being generous and kind, leading moral lives, helping those in need, maintaining loving marriages, being devoted to their families, etc. And yet they remain independent of God, denying Him as the Source of their blessings and refuting His legitimate claim over their lives as the Creator. They remain black rocks, “having a form of godliness but denying its power.” (2 Timothy 3:5)

Conversely, “white rocks” are fully capable of behaving like “black rocks” – gossiping about close friends or family, lying to protect their reputations, deceiving others, being tight-fisted with the gifts God has given them, being lazy and unproductive, etc. And here is the truth that I was able to personalize that night…

Behavior doesn’t change my identity.

And thank God for that! This white rock has had many a “black rock” moment since I began following Jesus. You, too? But I have an arsenal of spiritual weapons to give me victory over my sin. I know the conviction of the Holy Spirit, His power to help me overcome my struggles and weaknesses, and the sweetness of restoration in my relationship with God. I look forward to the Day when my behaviors will align perfectly with my identity as a child of God. 1 Corinthians 15:54-57 gives us reason to celebrate: “When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: ‘Death has been swallowed up in victory.’ ‘Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?’ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

I still have that white rock more than 30 years later. It’s a tangible reminder of who I am – God’s beloved child. I mourn the times when my “black rock” behavior tarnishes the holy reputation of my God and gives the unbelieving world a distorted picture of the Christian life. But that white rock is also a reminder of His grace and forgiveness. I long for the Day when my wrestling with sin will end, and I rejoice in knowing that that promised Day is on its way.

What about you, friend? Are you a black rock living by your own wisdom and for your own pleasure? Denying your Creator’s call on your life? Jesus loves you! He urges you to turn from the path that leads to death and find true rest and peace in Him. John 3:16-17 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.”

Or, dear white rock, are you feeling defeated and weary as you continually fall back into black rock behavior? Let me remind you – you are a new creation. You do have the power of the Holy Spirit to help you overcome your weaknesses. (“…Through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit Who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” – Romans 8:2) The struggle is real, but the victory is certain!

“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, Who, by the power that enables Him to bring everything under His control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like His glorious body.” – Philippians 3:20-21