My Identity in Christ
“What do you do?” is often an introductory question I am asked when meeting someone new. This is usually the time I panic as I try to develop a clever answer that will satisfy my particular audience at the time. Thoughts swirl through my head, “Well, I’m a wife and I take care of our home. I’m a photographer too; but then I also babysit weekly . . . ” I stress myself out about giving the “right” answer. Will they think badly of me as a housewife? Think that I’m too carefree as a photographer? Too juvenile as a babysitter?
Do you see the very clear problem in those feelings? “Me, me, me!” I become so wrapped up in myself, who I am, and how I can impress someone with the things I identify myself with. It is far better to remember the Lord and what He says about me. Identity is defined as “the distinguishing character or personality of an individual.” In 2 Corinthians 5:17 we are told “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” I am in Christ, and therefore should be looking at Christ as the source of my identity—the person He wants me to be in Him. What sets me apart and distinguishes me from the world is simply Jesus.
Sometimes the world gets so wrapped up in labels and categories. I remember the quad in my high school during lunch period. Everyone sat in groups: the athletes clung together discussing game scores and new plays; the band kids sat together in the music room; the theater group (admittedly, I was one of them!) would gather together telling jokes and quoting movies. There wasn’t much wiggle-room for those that didn’t solely identify with just one thing. You made your decision, typically at the beginning of your high school “career,” and that’s where you usually stayed. Whether or not you were an athlete and a musician, and even sometimes a dancer—you were usually seen as one or the other. And let’s be honest; some labels were more desirable than others. I know, for me, that age really began the temptation to impress others with who I was, and what separated me from the rest.
As most teens grow into adults, labels take a backseat to the internal struggle of finding oneself. Where do I place my identity? If it’s in my career, I will forever be climbing the totem pole of “corporate success.” But then what happens when it’s time to retire? If I’m a mother and raise my children until they’re grown—well, then who am I once they leave? If I place who I am in what I see in the mirror every day, eventually the wrinkles and grey hair will change that picture too. Everything of this world in which I can try to place my identity will eventually change or go away. If where I place my identity disappears, what happens to who I am?
You see, the only safe place to stow (and keep!) our identity is in Christ Himself. Hebrews 13:8 tells us that Christ is the same “yesterday, today, and forever.” Ladies, we should always remember that our Savior is an ever-loving, never-changing God. He knows us better than we know ourselves. It’s Christ alone who defines our identity and distinguishes us from the rest of the world.
So, who are we as new creations in Christ? We are beloved, treasured, and most desired by God Himself. We are on this earth for a number of days to know God, love and worship Him, and to make Him known to others. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). We still sin and fall short, but in accordance with the Holy Spirit’s refining work, He redeems us. He loved us even in our darkness, and through the veil of crimson blood, we were able to walk into the light. Next time someone asks “What do you do?” remember who you are in Christ instead. And use every opportunity to share your true identity with others. I am more than a wife, photographer, or babysitter. I am a child of God, in whose perfect identity I can rest secure for all of eternity—and that is far, far better.
10 comments
April | August 26, 2011
Thank You for this!!! I am going to show this to my mother who has been a loyal wife, homemaker, babysitter and bestfriend for over 38 years. Sometimes she feels the way you do and I tell her the same thing, " remember who you are in Christ is most important!!" Thank You, Blessings!!!
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Miss L | August 26, 2011
Thank you for this... it is also hard when your family labels you as "worthless", "useless", "can never amount to anything", "can never do anything right", etc. and easy to think that your identity is in what they think of you. I am struggling with that at the moment. And asking God to help me remember that my worth is defined by what He thinks of me, and what He's done for me and what He's created me to be. So privileged to be a daughter of The King!
Suzannah | August 28, 2011
First, thank you for the incredible message....the Lord is using your beautiful words to touch many in need of strength and encouragement including myself.
Miss L- Wow, your transparency is one of your most valuable assets to God. He will use it in a way only He knows how and allow you peace in your heart and spirit. Grow in His word and fall back on what the Word says about you.
Declare it in your life, pray over your family and those that bring you distraction in your heart.....love, strength, triumph, victory over strongholds! These are what you will have in your life, now and going forward! The enemy will use every distraction and insult as a means to wear you down. (Read 2 Corinthians 10:5) Set your mind on what God has said about you, Colossians 3:2-4. You are a new person in Christ Jesus, even if the outside doesn't understand that others in Christ stand in agreement with you. Keep speaking, Acts 18:9-10. Truth in love!
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Diane | August 26, 2011
Thanks for a great reminder of the value we hold because we are His! Loved it, Jen!
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Amelia | August 26, 2011
Yes, I agree trying to find ourselves or identities which often time has to do with what others might think of us, is the wrong path. I'm grateful my daughter and her husband invited me to Anaheim Harvest because I have been trying to find myself instead of finding myself in Christ, but awareness is key which is why I'm here now and look forward to attending Sunday’s service in Riverside.
Thank you!
Amelia
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Patty | August 28, 2011
Miss L. - Just brought me to tears, I also can so relate to how she feels. I feel the same too ! But if we learn to cling to the word of God, He is the only One who will carry us. This verse brings special comfort to me: The Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 This one too, "I am with you always." Matthew 28:20. Galatians 6:2 Tells us, "To bear one another' s burdens. When I realized this and did it, I have learned that this is what helps bring healing to our broken hearts! When we share our feelings with one another and stop keeping this hidden all to ourselves.
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Tiffany J | August 30, 2011
Thank you so much for sharing. This message about our identity in Christ is so vital and something I wish we could shout from the rooftops. :)
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Cheryl | August 31, 2011
This is so timely. I struggle in knowing "who I am" and "who I am supposed to be". I am married to a Pastor and sometimes it's hard to live up to what "they" expect me to be. Good to know that I am, "beloved, treasured, and most desired by God". Great article!!
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Melanie | September 1, 2011
Thank you so very much for writing on our identity in Christ! Nearly two decades ago, my job was "my identity" and when it was over through after the third "downsizing," I was devastated. After much rebellion, God had a path ahead of me for which I'll forever be grateful to Him! After a friend asked me to Bible Study Fellowship, I began listening to Christian radio broadcasts. I heard a man preach on a nearby station -- it was Greg Laurie! His teaching and witness helped me. I stayed in BSF for the seven years of study, and now I have a personal relationship with my Lord and Savior! I am a child of the Living God; my identity is secure in the Lord. I belong to God.
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Rebecca | September 2, 2011
My memory verse for this week was:
"The grass withers, the flower fade. But the word of our God remains forever." Isaiah 40:8.
This article fell right in line with that! Thanks!
Rebecca
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Aprilia | February 20, 2015
Beautiful article!!! So simply put, never has a picture of Identity in Christ been easier for me to understand... thank you!!
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