Identity In Christ

When you look in the mirror, do you see what God sees? When you reflect on your life, do you see His creative masterpiece the way that He does? I think we all need reminders of who we are in Christ from time to time. I know I do. There are great benefits from soaking in His word, speaking truth over ourselves, and letting Him refresh the way we see our lives. 

So many times we focus on our perceived flaws, unwanted imperfections, or on what we wish we could change about ourselves. We nitpick our appearance, downgrade our character, and compare our behind-the-scene scenarios to other people’s highlight reels. 

But do you know you are created in His image?

“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” Genesis 1:27

Once we catch a glimpse of God’s deep, unending love for us, and understand who we are in Him, we are never the same. This is such a powerful truth, yet it is so sad to think of how many people go their whole lives without realizing it, feeling it, and experiencing first hand just how deep, how wide, how high, and how vast His love is for His beloved children.

This world has a lot to say on how we should feel about ourselves – what we should like and not like, what we could change, hide away, or what parts we should put on full display.

Modern culture often aggressively suggests what our identity should be (or could be), based on whatever we are “feeling” that particular day. But did you know that the maker of the universe intricately and specifically knit each of us together in the hidden wombs of our mothers with a meticulously detailed and purposeful design in mind?

He fashioned within us all unique and deliberate gifts, qualities and destinies that only we ourselves can fulfill. Isn’t that amazing?! His Word says that even before He formed us, we were already thought of and on His mind…

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you…” Jeremiah 1:5

When God created you, me (and all of us), He was so very pleased. We are His masterpieces! His scripture tells us He sings and dances over us. (Zephaniah 3:17 “The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.”). How awesome is that?! So why do we struggle so much with who we are as we strive to feel confident, lacking the ability to see ourselves in a positive light? 

First, our confidence should not come from ourselves, our own accomplishments, or who we have made ourselves to be because everything we have, and everything we are able to do is because of The Lord. Instead of our confidence being in ourselves it should come from the deep rooted assurance that God is the Master Creator, and we are His beautiful designs. Every ability we have is a gift to steward, not to boast of. We posses what we have because He so graciously has given it to us. Not for our glory, but for His.

Do you make friends easily? Can you craft detailed woodwork? Maybe you are able to sympathize, comfort and attend to the aching heart of a friend (or even a stranger) without any hesitation whatsoever. Do you have a knack for business, the marketplace or entrepreneurship? Are you most drawn to the quiet art of painting, gardening or crafting? Is it easy for you to take the lead? Perhaps you have a passion for health and fitness, teaching, cooking, singing or caregiving. These are just some of the personalized gifts, talents and traits that God weaves into us to use for His glory. Without God giving us what we have, and us then stewarding those gifts to the best of our ability, we ourselves are nothing. 

We are nothing but dust aside from the loving handiwork of almighty God.

 It is His breath in our lungs, His talents knitted within us, His dreams dropped in our hearts, His strength infusing our bodies, His purposes drawing us. Everything we have and everything we are is because of Him. So when we feel fear, lack self confidence, worry about the future or are worn from striving too hard, remember who you are. Remember how God sees you. You don’t have to look within to find your confidence – look to Him. And once you genuinely experience that kind of love (the true love of Jesus) you are transformed and are whole-heartedly willing to lay down your life to follow Him; leaving behind your old identity and lifestyle to take up His.

The Holy, sovereign and living Word of God – the Bible – is our guide in finding our identity and it is where our confidence in Him finds strength to grow wildly. Within its flourishing pages, you will find that you are chosen, loved, protected, sought-after, bought with His precious blood, the apple of His eye, redeemed, set free, clothed in strength and righteousness, forgiven and rejoiced over. 

But don’t just take my word for it. Here it is in HIS WORD.

Meditate on these blessed scriptures today, friends. And start to see yourselves the way He does. Walk in confidence of who He is. Declare these verses over your life. Live your purpose boldly. And be blessed! 

——— Your Identity in Christ ——

You are a child of God • John 1:12

You are redeemed • Colossians 1:13-14 

You are His workmanship • Ephesians 2:10

You are forgiven • John 1:9

You are unique • Psalms 139:13 

You are treasured • Deuteronomy 14:2

You are protected • Psalms 121:3

You are His temple • 1 Corinthians 3:16 

You are strong • Philippians 4:13

You are chosen • 1 Thessalonians 1:4

You are healed • Isaiah 53:5