Our world today is obsessed with identity and being “true to self.” David Alan Grier says, “Don’t let anyone try to tell you who you are. Define yourself.” This advice may sound inspiring, but it actually leads to many forms of psychological and emotional pain.
I firmly believe that knowing our Identity in Christ is all that matters. The more we are aware of whose we are and who God says we are, the more powerful witnesses we will be in this dark world struggling with uncertainty, hopelessness and emptiness.
Here are my top eight truths that empower us to be all God has called us to be in this world.
- CHOSEN
Jesus said, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit– fruit that will last.” (John 15:16) “In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will.” (Eph 1:11) We have complete assurance and joy-filled peace, knowing it is not up to us to be good enough, or to work hard enough, for God to love us. It is a free gift.
- REDEEMED
“For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.” (1 Peter 1:18,19) There is no payment or performance required. The price has already been paid.
- RECONCILED
“All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:” (2 Cor 5:18). All that separated us from God is forgiven and forgotten.
- RIGHT IF GOD
“This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.” (Rom 3:22) We have absolutely nothing to fear.
- DEAD TO SELF
“For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” (Col 3:3) “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (1 Cor 15:17) We have been reborn in the spirit, and we no longer live controlled by our passions, desires and appetites.
- BELONG TO GOD’S HOUSEHOLD
“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household,” (Eph 2:19) We are God’s children living in His forever family no matter what our situation in life.
- SEALED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT
“And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession– to the praise of his glory.” (Eph 3:13,14) Our gracious God, lives in us by His Holy Spirit. Experiencing Him transforming us into the likeness of Jesus is His guarantee proving we are His. Living in a relationship with Him is all the assurance we need.
- DISCIPLE MAKERS
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matt 28:18-20) We also know we are His by having His heart for others.
I firmly believe that if we continue to impress these truths upon our hearts and live them out, we will be powerful witnesses and affective servants for our Heavenly Father.