Friday, March 1, 2024
What comes to mind when you think of the word “identity”? Where does your worth come from?
Common sources for people’s identity include careers, titles, or accomplishments. Others derive value from what they own, placing their identity in their possessions or desires. And for those driven by likes and what others think, popularity is their source. Unfortunately, even many who have placed their faith in Christ are prone to finding their identity in things of this world.
But all of the above are sources of mistaken identity, building your foundation on shifting sand (Matthew 7:26). Every single one can be taken away or lose relevance – you can lose your job or retire, have to sell that amazing car, or fall out of popularity with the trendsetters. Who would you be then?
However, when you place your faith in Christ, your identity now comes from heaven, not earth. From God’s perspective, you are united with Christ. This means that everything true about Christ is now true about you – and becoming more true every day, as we are transformed into his image until the day he returns (Philippians 1:6).
You may be thinking, “I’m nowhere near like Christ.” Yes and no! Indeed you may not look like Jesus right now (Pro tip: none of us do.); nonetheless, because of your faith in Jesus, God sees you this way, and over time, as you continually seek him and place him first in your life, you will grow into the person God already views you as.
Read what is true about you right now as a follower of Christ from Ephesians 1:4-8 (NLT).
4 Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.
5 God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.
6 So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son.
7 He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.
8 He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.
These are only a few reminders of what is true about you right now and becoming more true every day you walk with Jesus. Ephesians 1-3 is filled with more.
It may seem hard to comprehend, and yet these will never fade away. Which one do you most need imprinted on your heart?
Choose one truth you want to own. Then create a breath prayer using part or all of the verse.
For example if you are feeling lonely or unloved:
Inhale: Even before God made the world
Exhale: God loved me and chose me in Christ
Repeat this to yourself multiple times throughout the day to remind you of who you are in Christ – an identity that will never change.