Having an Identity Crisis?

Do you ever feel like you don't fit in, or that you have to work hard to be somebody you're not? If so, it's time to embrace your identity in Christ. The Bible tells us that, through Him, we have been made completely new (2 Corinthians 5:17). This means that, as believers, we are no longer our old selves. We are now children of God, deeply loved and highly valued by our Heavenly Father. By embracing our identity in Christ, we can find true freedom and security. When we recognize ourselves as He sees us and accept His unconditional love, we can live a life of joy and peace. He knows us by name and calls us His own, and that is truly a beautiful thing.

Your identity in Christ is so much different than the identity that you’ve been assigned by the world. Your family role, your job description, and other external factors don’t define who you are as a believer. When you become a Christian, you’re given a new identity in Him. As we come to recognize our identity in Christ and accept His unconditional love, we no longer struggle to fit into the world's definition of who we are. Instead, we can accept the fact that, in Him, we are truly valuable and special. Colossians 3:3 says, "For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God." This scripture reminds us that, in Him, we are free to be ourselves and find our true identity. As we trust in His love, we can confidently stand firm in faith, knowing that we are His and He is ours.

When you embrace your identity in Christ, you’re able to see yourself through His eyes, not the eyes of the world. You are valuable and special to Him, and He has given you a purpose and plan. According to the KJV Bible, Ephesians 2:10 says “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” This verse reminds us that we are made by God and that He has planned works for us to do. We are His workmanship and God has created us with a unique purpose. You are who He says you are, and you don’t have to work to fit in or be someone you’re not. The Bible tells us that in Him, we are accepted and approved (Romans 8:1). When you understand your identity in Christ, you can live your life in the way that He intended. You can be confident in who you are and how He sees you. You don’t need to rely on the approval of others or the standards of the world. Your identity and worth come from Him alone. He has given you the gift of unconditional love that is stronger and deeper than any other love we could ever know.

To really grasp a stronger understanding of who we are in Him, we can refer to the “In Him” scriptures. These scriptures remind us of our identity in Christ and the promises He has given us. For example, Ephesians 1:7-8 says, “In Him, we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence.” His Word also says that in Him, we are made completely new (2 Cor 5:17). We have the freedom to be ourselves because we are accepted and loved by God regardless of our past or present. In Him, we are no longer outsiders or slaves, but His precious children and members of His family (Gal 3:26-27). We are loved and cherished by God, and He sees us as the apple of His eye (Deut 32:10). Another passage, Romans 8:17, says “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together.” This verse reminds us that in Him, we are heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ. With these scriptures in mind, we can rest assured that we are redeemed and forgiven and that our identity is found in Him, and only Him!

Finally, 1 Corinthians 2:9 says “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” This verse reminds us that God has so much in store for us if only we open our hearts to Him and love Him. He has prepared so much for us that our eyes have not seen, our ears have not heard, and our hearts have not imagined. Again, It is important to remember our identity in Christ and to remember that we are who He says we are. We must accept His grace and embrace our identity in Christ, trusting in His unconditional love. We must remember that we are His workmanship, heirs of God and that He has so much in store for us, a life of abundance! You are loved! ©Rita Larson 3/22/2023