An Identity in Crisis
A year ago I wrote about our belief about who God is. Today I want to discuss what we believe about ourselves.
If each of us pinned a label to ourselves what would our signs say? What are the words that we
use to describe ourselves? How do we define our identity?
Would my
sign read “I'm worthless,” “No one loves me,” “I'm just a
failure,” or “I'm ugly”?
Recently
I was telling my husband about my school days. “Some girls were
popular. Some girls were pretty. Some were smart. Others were
athletic. And then there was me. And I didn't excel at anything.”
When Ed
suggested I was exaggerating, I insisted “It is really true. I was totally uncool and my only friends were other girls at the bottom of the
class social ladder.”
But was
it true? Or is it just what I believed to be true about myself? Could
I have believed a lie?
Too
often I allow life circumstances and others' reactions toward me,
whether real or imagined, to define who I am.
And it can be a problem
that continues long past sixth grade.
As a believer in Christ where should I find my identity?
My identity must
be based on the truth from God and His Word.
One of
the words I love in the New Testament is “beloved.” Get a Bible
concordance and see how many times we are called “beloved.” I
counted at least 36 times. And the meaning of beloved is “dearly
loved,” the opposite of worthless and rejected.
For
another example, check out Isaiah 43:7 or Revelations 4:11 and read
that we were created for His glory. Whatever my view of my
appearance, God says that His creation of me was designed to bring
Him glory. Do I dare describe myself as “ugly”?
Here is
some more descriptive words from the Word of Truth.
I am
forgiven. (1 John 1:9)
I am
loved. (Jeremiah 31:3)
I am
adopted. (Romans 8:15-16)
I am
valued and bought with a price. (1 Corinthians 6:20)
I am
saved. (Romans 10: 9, 13)
I am a
new creature in Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
I am
wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14)
I am
“more than conqueror through Him.” (Romans 8:37)
Search
the Bible and imbed its truth in your mind. As a reminder, print a
word of truth such as “Beloved” or “Forgiven” on a card, add
a Scripture verse, and hang it in your bedroom where you will see it
daily.
Stop letting other people or your own imagination define you who are. Thank God for the truth of your identity according to His
Word.
I'd love to hear what truth you have found in God's Word about who you are in Christ.
Wonderful word! I know I can relate! I'm so thankful we can look to God's Word for approval instead of man!
ReplyDeleteIdentity crisis has been a struggle for me, especially during the last 4 years. My church family, co-workers, friends (all but 2) have walked away from me because of a serious mistake I made. I know in my head I am forgiven but it's hard to truly believe that when my sisters in Christ tell me otherwise. I understand their reaction to me and the only way I get through that is knowing that there will be a day that our relationships will be restored. Meanwhile, I live with the consequences of my mistake every day but cling close to Jesus and the hope that is promised through Him. Thank you for this reminder and encouragement.
ReplyDeleteHe restores. All things.
DeleteBless you Anonymous sister. It has now been 30 yrs. Since I, too, had to begin walking a path with "consequences of my mistake" and I can testify that Jesus does stick closer than a brother. I can tell you that SOME relationships will never be restored... sadly, like King David of old who by some people always labeled a murderer, we may always be thought of by a past sin or mistake. God is Sovereign... our Maker... our Deliverer.... our Defender. What door He opens, no man can shut and none closed can be opened. God forgives, yes, and we are learning each day of our lives how to forgive ourselves... how to keep not only the sin but also the SHAME of the sin at the foot of the Cross.
DeleteMay I encourage you to know each day that God was there... even on that day of mistake.
Lori in Missouri - I am so glad I came back here to read this. It speaks volumes to me. It is not easy finding people who can relate to this. You are right, some will label us according to our sin and those relationships (most likely) will not be restored on this side of eternity. 30 years on your path...how to forgive ourselves...keeping the sin AND shame at the foot of the cross...God being there, even on that day...I appreciate these words so much, especially coming from someone who understands first hand. Thank you so much for your encouragement.
DeleteWise words! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteHow lovely! Thank you! My revelation came when I realized that Romans 8:1 belonged to me..."There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus,who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit." I had been a Christian for 30+ years, but finally, totally, relied on God's Word to identify me. I am His! And, there is no condemnation!! Praise His Name!!
ReplyDeleteWhen I got to your comment on "beloved" meaning "dearly loved" I said, "Wow." That struck me in a fresh way. Dearly loved--it is amazing to think about. Thank you for this. Just a note: I think you have the wrong reference for "valued and bought with a price." There is no verse 17 in 1 Corinthians 5.
ReplyDeleteThanks Luci - I fixed the reference.
DeleteGina
Good Morning Gina,
ReplyDeleteI too have struggled with identity. I often find myself having to make a conscience effort to remember who I am in Christ. Thank you for sharing these wonderful insights regarding our identity in Christ.
Blessings to you and yours,
Mrs.B
Thank you for sharing this beautiful post. It truly blessed my heart.
ReplyDeleteI love what you wrote, Gina! I praise God for what He has done in my life- redeemed me, given me purpose! He is worthy!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post. God bless you...
ReplyDelete