How to discover your identity
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If we’re not careful, we will unintentionally allow the world around us to shape our identity. We’re programmed to think that when we don’t “fit in” that something must be wrong with us or we’re not good enough, so what do we do?
Sadly, we change who we are, until we conform into someone who is accepted by others. We fit ourselves into a mold that may or may not be comfortable; all for the sake of feeling acceptance.
Can you relate to that? I know that I certainly can. That’s why I’m passionate about encouraging others to be who they are and not compromising who they are for the sake of fitting in.
God didn’t create you to fit in He created you to stand out!
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How we get a false identity
I remember when I was in high school, groups would congregate in the courtyard before school and in between classes. There were the athletes, the band, the cheerleaders, the hackysackers, the honors society, the surfers & skaters, the most popular, the least popular, etc.
It’s so intimidating as a kid, just trying to fit in somewhere. Unfortunately, that doesn’t end as an adult.
I believe there are many influences that can shape our identity:
- Ideas and opinions of others
- Internal shame
- Carrying the weight of our past
- Mental abuse from someone
- Acceptance from a particular group of people
- The enemy’s lies
- Our career
- Our roles as a spouse and parent
- Rejection
- Followers, likes & comments
For me personally, lacking identity was a result of a lack of confidence, self worth and most importantly, not knowing Jesus.
Therefore, the struggle finding my identity was wrapped up in my experiences, circumstances, fears, choices and my roles in life.
How do you see yourself?
If you allow any of the reasons that I listed above to shape your identity then you will be living with a false sense of your identity.
How do you see yourself? What characteristics define you? Do you believe lies about who you are? Do you know who you are apart from your roles in life?
Our identity is who we ARE not what we DO.
We can have a skewed perception of ourselves, that’s why when we seek the One who predestined our lives, we begin to see ourselves in a new light!
That’s why WE MUST live in the confidence of who He created us to be, so that we live a more purposeful life.
I didn’t know who I was until I found my identity in Christ. There’s a clear distinction between who I am in – and who I am apart from Christ.
Knowing Jesus, who He says I am and who He created me to be – gave me self worth, confidence and is the root of my identity.
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How to discover your identity through God’s eyes
You might be asking yourself, how would the way God views me – change how I see myself? I get so excited and overwhelmed at the same time by this question because I have so much to say and don’t even know where to begin!
God is love! God is the highest form of love and that kind of love is beyond our imagination because not many of us have experienced this love.
I often highly recommend C.S. Lewis books and I’m going to do it again! In this case, I recommend The Four Loves by C.S. Lewis. It gives a beautiful insight to the different types of love; yes there are many forms.
But when we understand how God loves us and what His love entails in our lives, it changes everything. Our perspective on our worth, our purpose, our future – it has new substance.
God’s love shows us how to discover our identity and allows us to stop measuring our standards to the world’s standards.
Your identity is in Christ
Let’s take to the scriptures to see how God sees us!
You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.
You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
before a single day had passed. How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered!
I can’t even count them;
they outnumber the grains of sand!
And when I wake up,
you are still with me! Psalm 139:13-18 NLT
“The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
“Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.” Romans 6:14
“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. Because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.” Romans 8:1-2
How to discover your identity in Christ
Affirmations of Biblical Truth Printable.
The secret to discovering your identity in Christ is to receive the love of Jesus Christ and to live in Him.
Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. Ephesians 4:21-24 NLT
I’m talking about an intimate relationship with Jesus. The gift of The Holy Spirit will be your guide and wisdom through application of God’s Word will transform you into who you were created to be.
Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life. Psalm 139:23-24 NLT
When you see yourself as Christ sees you, you will be able to put your past behind you and live in confidence of who you are.
We will no longer be immature like children, tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. Ephesians 4:14 NLT
Are you ready to stop living your life seeking perfection in a world that says you’ll never be enough? Seek the Lord with all your heart & soul and you will find Him. Jeremiah 29:13
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