Identity is who you are, what you are known as and known by. It is what defines you in totality. In our case who defines us, is Christ. Our identity is essential to know, it’s what drives us, leads us and completely defines who we are. While some find their identity is their job, their passions and in their family roles, those aren’t the sum of who they are but a portion. The Church is always speaking on our identity, but often enough, I don’t think it’s profoundly spoken on how we identify with our identity.

In the Kingdom of God, identity isn’t achieved but rather received. In 2 Corinthians 5.17 (New Living Translation), it says, “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”. Amen! Receive this, this is what God says to you! I understand that getting to your new identity in Christ doesn’t necessarily happen over night, but it is in you. It’s there for you to discover and live out. How do we get in touch and stay in touch with our identity?

1. The Word.

Simple enough right? God’s word is more than an instruction manual for our time here on earth, it’s a love letter to us. This is where our truth unequivocally lies. God’s word is valid, alive and true. It guides us, it’s edifying, it’s correcting, uplifting and so loving. This is where God tells us who we are in Him, this is where we learn our identity. Do you have any specific questions burning in your heart, the Bible has the answers, seek it.

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4.12, English Standard Version.)

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119.105, ESV).

“But he answered, “It is written,“‘Man shall not live by bread alone,
but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4.4, ESV).

“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” (Joshua 1.8, ESV).

2. Community.

Why? Christ centered relationships are to back up the word. These relationships are leading you closer to Jesus not away from Him. You ultimately become just like who you’re close to. So we want to be like Jesus and our close relationships should ultimately reflect this as well. No, no one is perfect, but our journeys can certainly align with Christ and we can journey together with those who are like minded in Jesus as well.

“Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for “bad company corrupts good character.” (1 Corinthians 15.33, NLT).

“So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.” 1 (Thessalonians 5:11, NLT).

3. Time.

The time you invest in your relationship with God, the more you’ll get out of it. It’s just like any relationship, the more time you spend with that person the more you’ll get to know them. It’s the same with God. How can you spend time with God? Through prayer, reading your Bible, going to Church, being apart of a Bible study group.

“So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90.12, ESV).

4. God is working in you. He is refining you.

“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” (Philippians 1.6, NLT).

It’s important to note that you cannot loose your identity. Sure, identity theft is real. People will try and take it away from you, and even more so, the devil will attempt to. Don’t allow him to, don’t allow him to speak contrary to what God’s word says about you. Hold those thoughts captive, cast them away. This is why it’s important for us to know who we are in Jesus.

“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith.” (1 Peter 5.8-9, NLT).

Why is the devil after you? Because you hold so much value, you are doing/going to do AMAZING things for God’s Kingdom. He doesn’t want you to know who you are, he doesn’t want you to stay in that knowledge. But as the verse above says, we must stand firm.

Who are you? Really think about it. What are you defined by? I’m defined by the Word of God and so are you. It’s who we are. This week, declare the truths from the Bible over yourself, post verses on your desk, your mirrors, make it a screensaver on your phone. Make a Pinterest board full of Bible verses. Listen to podcasts, the Bible and worship music. Declare who you are in Jesus over yourself and next, do it over others, let them know they are abundantly loved too.

Here's a verse to start you off:

“But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2.9, NLT

Be blessed beauty as you live out of true identity!

New Living Translation (NLT)

English Standard Version (ESV)

Getting to Know Your Identity