Hello my beautiful soul. Have you ever wondered who you truly are beyond your name and daily roles? What if your true identity is far greater than you’ve ever imagined? Do you know who you are? Do you know who created you? What is your life purpose for being? What do you base your value on?
Let me stimulate your thinking:
Do you sometimes feel lost or unsure about your purpose?
Have you struggled with self-worth or confidence? Do you depend on the approval and validation of others? These are all questions I reflected on in my self-discovery journey.
Many people struggle with identity, trying to find their worth and purpose in achievements, relationships, or societal standards. Often times we base it on how much money we have, our education, the house we live in, our job position, or our failures and past mistakes. This can lead to confusion, insecurity, and a lack of fulfillment.
Without understanding our identity in Christ, we may continue to seek validation from the world, leading to disappointment and a sense of emptiness. We might miss out on the deep peace and purpose that come from knowing who we are in Him.
The good news is that by discovering our identity in Christ, we can find true worth, purpose, and peace. Let’s understand why it’s important to know our identity in Christ and how it can change our lives for the better.
In order for us to live a purpose-driven life and fulfill the call that God placed upon our lives, we must know who God is and what He has freely promised us in Christ Jesus.
Where do you find your identity right now?
We often tend to take our identity from things outside of us such as our qualifications, our jobs, which university we attend, our role and title in life (whether it's being a girlfriend, wife, mom), our hobbies, an addiction, or our life struggles.
When you find your identity in something outside of you that's not God, you risk living a life that is highly dependent on that thing. your overall happiness and fulfilment rely on the success of that thing.
Another example is if your identity is tied in your role as a girlfriend and you devote everything to that role and let's say you break up with your boyfriend, you will be devastated as you have lost your sense of purpose.
Ask yourself these questions to determine where your identity lies.
What do I spend most of my time thinking about?
Do I place my purpose on that which I always think about and spend my time doing?
Do I judge my status in life/success by that?
These questions should help you highlight if you are finding your identity in external factors other than God. And if you are, don't worry. It's completely normal and it can be resolved.
Why is identity important?
Having a sense of identity creates a sense of belonging. If we know how we define ourselves, it’s easier to find communities and places where we feel we belong.
If you don't know your true identity, you can easily be influenced by external forces and be led to go on the wrong path. You may run the risk of assuming a false identity and having negative self-esteem.
When you do not know who you are, you are vulnerable to the devil's tricks and deception. I know this too well as I suffered the same thing. When I became born again in Christ, I was stripped of all the immoral traditional worldly values and religious mindsets. Now I had to adopt new values and customs and develop a new sense of self rooted in Jesus Christ.
Before that, I took a pit stop in New Age spirituality where I was sold on ideas like astrology, psychedelics (which opened me up to a lot of unclean spirits), and a blend of various beliefs and practices. Phew! This was the darkest period of my life.
It is during this stage that you may develop an identity crisis if you are not careful.
Do not mix beliefs; be firm in your Christian values even when your peers go against you. The Holy Spirit is within you to empower, equip, guide, convict you, and lead you on your righteous path with God.
That moment when you feel that something is right or when you feel that something is off or wrong, listen to that inner voice of your intuition. Let it guide you. Do a quick prayer for clear instruction.
What is an identity in Christ?
It means to find your worth in Christ Jesus, to understand your purpose on this earthly realm and reason for being in Him. When your identity is in Christ, you don't have to worry about losing it. Your identity in Christ is eternal, long-lasting, permanent, real, deep, and secure forever. The most important thing to know is that you are a child of God.
We are created by God in His image and likeness, but knowing we are His children changes the whole dynamic of our relationship with God.
There is more good news, the Holy Scriptures tell us that because we are God's children, we are His heirs (Romans 8:16-17). An heir is a person who has a right to inherit the property and riches of another person following their death.
When you accept the Lord Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you become a co-heir to an inheritance according to God's glorious riches.
When I finally understood who I am in Christ, I had a paradigm shift. It was a game changer for me.
Main Reasons Why Understanding Your Identity is Important:
1. You Become Self-Aware:
Before I gave my life to Christ, I had fake confidence. I was the most confident-looking person, but deep down I was insecure as I forgot who I was due to living a life of sin and disobedience to God. I was a rebellious child, doing whatever I wanted. You can just imagine the crazy things I got up to.
I would look at other people for direction and adopt parts of their values and traits as my own, unconsciously. You have to be awake and conscious of the things you believe in. I had been wandering feeling lost like a stray cat with no home, with no sense of who I was.
When I finally came to understand who I am in Christ, I no longer had the need to compare myself with other people, I was secure in myself and gained confident hope in God.
In Christ, you learn that there is no need for competition, comparisons, or seeking approval from people to please them. You live authentically. You should only seek to please God.
You learn to accept yourself just as you are. You know why? You are perfect just as you are. Yes, there is room for improvement but at your core, you are perfect, my love. When you truly understand all of this, you will make better life choices.
2. You Will Discover Your Life Purpose:
It is true that God has a unique purpose and calling for us. My favorite scripture expresses it so well, read Jeremiah 29:11.
This is an assurance to us believers that God has great plans for us and a unique purpose for our lives.
When you don’t come closer to God and know who you are in Christ, you are less likely to fulfill those plans.
We are often so caught up looking at our peers and copying what they are doing with their lives, rather than pursuing what God wants for us. God promises us victory, to do something new in us and through us (Isaiah 43:19).
3. You Will Gain a Deeper Sense of Life Satisfaction:
You will obtain a higher level of life fulfillment even when things don’t look glamorous from an outside perspective. You will have an overflow of peace, joy, and stillness. You will find meaning in your life and you get to discover your "why" for living even when you are faced with life's trials and tribulations. You can remain steadfast with faith.
I discovered that when you live your life with purpose, you will ultimately live with satisfaction and abundance. When you know your purpose for your life, the opinions of other people concerning your life will no longer affect you. You will gain true freedom.
Four Steps to Discover Your Identity in Christ:
Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of your peers and family.
Surrender your struggles to God daily, in prayer and fasting.
Seek more of God and let go of your old identity. You are Holy and Pure.
Meditate on His word and promises to you daily so you don’t forget.
Here are Important Reminders of Who You Are in Christ:
You are truly loved and delighted in- Jeremiah 31:3
You have been given a spirit of power, love and self-discipline- 2 Timothy 1:7
You have been redeemed and forgiven of all your sins, the debts against you have been canceled- Colossians 1:14
You are born again and made into a new creation- 2 Corinthians 5:17
You are a temple of the Holy Spirit, sacred and holy- 1 Corinthians 6:19
You are God's masterpiece and wonderfully made- Psalm 139:14
You are washed clean- Isaiah 1:18
You are holding a secure future and have guaranteed victory- Jeremiah 29:11
You are whole and complete- Colossians 2:10
You are an Ambassador for Christ
''An ambassador is an official diplomatic agent of high rank, who is sent out by a ruler or government as a public representative. An ambassador for Christ is one who is sent out to work as a citizen of God's Kingdom, representing truth and light in a world of deception and darkness.''- Rev. Pastor Ejikeme Ejim
You are representing a different kind of country—the Kingdom of God—and its King, Jesus Christ, wherever you go. This is an awesome position, one of honor and great responsibility.
When people see and hear you talk, they are seeing and listening to an ambassador of God.
Pray to be the best ambassador you can be. Ask God to help you love everyone you come in contact with. Look for ways to encourage and help others. Share the gospel of Jesus when there are open doors. Be a good example in everything you do. Follow the apostle Paul's instructions to Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:12.
I know there are some common doubts or struggles that may hinder you in accepting your identity in Christ. So, I have provided some guidance on navigating through these obstacles.
Comparing yourself to others:
Doubt: "I’m not as successful, beautiful, smart or talented as my peers."
How to overcome: Remember that God has a unique plan for you. Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Practical Tip: Focus on your personal journey and growth. Write down your goals and track your progress.
2. Secular Ideals:
Doubt: "I need to conform to societal standards to be accepted."
How to overcome: God calls us to be set apart and not conform to the patterns of this world. Romans 12:2 says, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."
Practical Tip: Meditate on Scripture and surround yourself with positive influences that align with your faith. Limit exposure to media that promotes secular values. Your eyes and ears are portals, guard them relentlessly.
3. Fear of Rejection:
Doubt: "If I live out my faith openly, I might be rejected by my friends or peers."
How to overcome: Jesus experienced rejection, and He understands your fears. John 15:18 says, "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first."
Practical Tip: Find a supportive community of believers who can encourage and support you in your faith journey. Share your experiences and pray for one another.
4. Having Self-Doubt:
Doubt: "I don’t feel good enough or worthy of God’s love."
How to overcome: Your worth is not based on your performance but on God’s unconditional love. Romans 8:38-39 says, "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Practical Tip: Start a gratitude journal where you write down things you are thankful for each day. Direct it to God. Reflect on God’s blessings and His faithfulness in your life.
5. Pressure to Fit In:
Doubt: "I need to fit in with my peers to be accepted."
How to overcome: God created you uniquely and wonderfully. Embrace your individuality. Psalm 139:13-14 says, "For you created my inmost being you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful; I know that full well."
Practical Tip: Embrace your unique qualities and talents. Engage in activities and communities where you can express your true self and grow in your faith.
Final note
Every citizen of the Kingdom of God has incredible power at their disposal, but for many of us, our thoughts are limited from seeing our true potential in Christ.
This strategy is a widespread tactic of the enemy and one he uses to keep God's people from walking in the power of their identity in Christ. When we do not understand the authority we have as God's children, we fail to fulfill that power and settle for lives that are far less than what we could be experiencing.
The devil delights in our ignorance of not knowing the truth and claiming our birthright. You are precious to Jesus that He died to pay your ransom and give you a new life.
The importance of finding your identity in Christ begins with accepting Christ. He will empower you to walk in your royal authority with worth and purpose.
You are a royal princess. Now go on and embody your royal nature. Walk, talk, dress, serve, carry yourself like it and hold your head up like a princess that you are. Most importantly believe it and live it. Stay humble and pure at heart while you are at it, lest your crown will fall off.
As always, remain faithful. I love you.
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