Who Are You…Really? | A Reminder On Your True Identity
But who are you… really? This was the question I contemplated as I drove home.
The conversation from earlier still rang in my mind.
Their car, their luxurious lifestyle, and what they’ve accomplished.
Who they knew and where they’ve been.
These were just a few of the things someone used to describe themselves during a conversation I had with someone I meet at an earlier appointment.
I listened. I affirmed. I reflected.
I mean it was just me. I consider myself to be pretty down to earth- so there was nothing to prove.
Though the outer said one thing, I discerned that the inner workings of their heart might tell a different story.
In the most general terms, identity refers to one’s answer to the question, Who am I?
E. A. Gassin, “Identity,” ed. David G. Benner and Peter C. Hill, Baker Encyclopedia of Psychology & Counseling, Baker Reference Library (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1999), 604.
I don’t know about you, but It’s easy for me to answer this question with tangible things.
I’m a wife, mother, and author. I work for “this company”, I live here. The list goes on.
We take a great sense of pride in what we do and we’re going.
And we should. After all, it’s God who’s allowed us to be in the positions that we are.
But may I propose today the deeper question of: who are you… really?
You see, the reality is at any moment those “things”- titles, statuses, bank account numbers, etc, could be stripped away at any moment.
So when we look beyond the surface and what remains is laid bare, would you be okay with who you are- really?
The truth is your value is determined by the One who created you.
Lekeisha maldon, Christian counselor
And that holds more weight than any list of things we can spill off.
Scripture reminds us that we are:
- Chosen. (Ephesians 1:4)
- A masterpiece created for good works. (Ephesians 2:10)
- A royal priesthood. (1 Peter 2:9)
- Made in the image of God. (Genesis 1:27)
- Forgiven. (1 John 1:9)
- Loved. (1 John 4:9)
I especially love the way 2 Corinthians3:5 puts it:
Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God.
What encouragement we find there, that no matter what we think we lack, what the enemy tries to tell us in those low moments, and independent of our accomplishments, we have value, we are enough because God says we are.
And that is good news!
Embracing your identity in who God says you are, rather than relying on tangible things, can be a transformative and empowering process. Here are a few ways to begin this journey:
- Seek God’s Word: Dive into the Scriptures and discover what God says about your identity. Meditate on verses that affirm your worth, purpose, and significance in His eyes. Let His truth shape your beliefs about yourself.
- Practice Gratitude: Cultivate an attitude of gratitude for the intangible blessings in your life. Appreciate the love, grace, forgiveness, and guidance that God freely gives. Shift your focus from material possessions to the spiritual treasures you possess as a child of God.
- Embrace Your Unique Gifts: Recognize and utilize the unique gifts and talents God has bestowed upon you. Whether it’s singing, writing, serving others, or any other ability, seek to use them to honor God and bless others. Your identity in Christ is not confined to material possessions but is expressed through your unique qualities.
- Surround Yourself With Positive Influences: Surround yourself with a community of believers who can encourage and remind you of your true identity in Christ. Engage in fellowship, attend Bible studies or church groups, and surround yourself with those who will uplift and support you on this journey.
- Detach from Materialism: Take intentional steps to detach yourself from the allure of material possessions. Recognize that true fulfillment comes from your relationship with God and the internal qualities He has given you. Focus on pursuing a life of significance and purpose rather than chasing after worldly possessions.
Remember, embracing your identity in who God says you are requires a shift in mindset and a daily commitment to align your thoughts and actions with His truth. It is a journey of faith and self-discovery that will ultimately lead you to a deeper understanding of your worth and purpose in Him.
In what way can you start to embrace more of your identity in who God says you are instead of tangible things?
