Truths for Your Identity

Every human being longs for identity and purpose. We strive to mark ourselves with influential words, prominent job titles, and power terms. Our identity directs the roles we take, those we surround ourselves with, and the decisions we make.

Sometimes I struggle with my identity, who I am, and what my purpose is. When this happens, it’s clear that I have forgotten the truths of who Jesus says I am. Or, more honestly, it’s not that I’ve forgotten — those truths often do not seem “enough” for me in a world of Girl Bosses, those living the Mom Life, and Wanderlusters.

I initially wrote this for the protection and nourishment of my soul. And these truths of my identity in Christ apply to you, too. Look at how many descriptions there are! And it’s only the beginning!

I am welcomed.

Have you ever felt unwelcome or ignored? Jesus welcomes you and me into his royal family with open arms. I have been adopted into his family (Ephesians 1:5) and I am a citizen of his household (Ephesians 2:9). I am his friend (John 15:15; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13) and sister (Hebrews 2:10-11).

I am understood.

My Savior walked, breathed, ate, slept, and lived as a man in a fallen world. He knows what it’s like to be despised and rejected (Isaiah 53:3), weary (John 4:6), betrayed (Matthew 26:14-16), and misunderstood (Matthew 12:24) — he knows what it’s like to weep (John 11:35) and suffer (1 Peter 2:21). Because he knows humanity, he knows suffering and pain — he understands us and is not a removed onlooker to our perils. This comforts me as I encounter the pains of this life. I don’t have a King who can’t sympathize with me — I have a King who knows (Hebrews 4:15).

I am known.

As the Lord spoke to Jeremiah, we too were known before the creation of the world; before we were formed in our mother’s womb, he knew us (1:5). I am not a stranger to God; I am known (1 Corinthians 8:3).

I am accepted.

I have a long history of seeking acceptance in some form or another. What I quickly forget is that I have full acceptance through Jesus — and he’s the only one who can grant this to us (Romans 15:7)! In knowing this, I no longer have to seek acceptance from those around me because I am fully accepted by the King of the universe.

I am new.

Only through Christ am I a new creation — the old has gone, the new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17). My old self was crucified along with Christ on that fateful day on Calvary (Romans 6:6) and my past mistakes claim no defining value over me. He has given me a new heart and a new mind (2 Corinthians 3:14).

I am whole.

All the fullness of deity is in Christ, and because I am in him, wholeness and fullness is also mine (Colossians 2:9-10). Eternal glory is my destiny (Colossians 3:1-3; Ephesians 2:6), and I will never lack any good thing (Psalm 34:10).

I am never alone.

Jesus transcends time, space, and understanding — and he has given me his Spirit when I believed (John 14:26). He is always with me, even if I cannot feel, hear, or see him (Matthew 28:20). He cannot be distracted, confused, or diverted to another’s needs over mine. I cannot escape his presence, even if I tried (Psalm 139:7-10)!

I am a conqueror.

I am more than a conqueror through my loving Christ (Romans 8:37). This means that I can actively claim victory over the fears and chains that bind me — and I can resist the enemy’s temptations to defeat me (James 4:7). My Savior is the One who will destroy the enemy by the simple breath of his mouth (2 Thessalonians 2:8), so I have nothing to fear.

I am worthy of sacrifice.

The Creator of the universe has seen my brokenness, failures, resistance, and rebellion — and yet, he still declared me worthy of dying for. I was bought at a price (1 Corinthians 6:20), and that price was death. What other religion’s deity would die for its people? None.

I am provided for.

Christ’s peace has the power to guard my heart and mind (Philippians 4:7), and his Spirit within equips me for the days to come. The Lord supplies all my needs (Philippians 4:19) — not all my wants, but my needs. I don’t have to worry about tomorrow or what I will eat, drink, or wear (Matthew 6:31-34), for God has provided everything (Genesis 9:3). Best of all, he has provided eternity for me (John 14:2-3)!

I am an heir.

Because God has declared us his children, we are heirs to his Kingdom (Galatians 4:7; Titus 3:7). Glory is mine to receive (Romans 8:17) and a rich inheritance awaits me (Ephesians 1:11-14). I am a daughter of the King — let that sink in, friend!

I am secure.

Nothing can separate me from the love of God (Romans 8:39), and God doesn’t break his promises (2 Corinthians 1:19-20). When he says nothing can separate us, he means nothing. Forgiveness, redemption, and eternity have been secured, once and for all, in Christ.

I am his.

Jesus says that I am his — yet, he doesn’t say it in a controlling or domineering way (John 1:12). No, just as we would say to our spouse, “You are mine,” Jesus says the same for us. And once we are his, he will never let us go (Hebrews 13:5).

I am saved.

There is no condemnation for me because I am in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). Accepting the free gift of God’s grace, not of my own efforts, has saved me (Ephesians 2:8). My works and my efforts contributed nothing to this unmerited gift, and this is all the more reason to praise him in all things!

I am free.

Christ has set me free from the law and from death (Romans 8:2; Galatians 5:1)! I don’t have to be weighed down by legalistic rules and fears birthed from religiosity. I don’t have to strive for perfection, worrying that I’ll never measure up or be “good enough.” I am free, free indeed (John 8:36)!

Can I get an AMEN?! What else would you add to this list? What has Christ done for you to change how you see your identity?

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Cover image used with permission, Unsplash.com