Have you noticed how desperately people today are searching for identity? Everyday, multitudes comb through ancestry websites, take elaborate personality tests, and try to find community among people of common interests. All these other voices often lead to confusion, and frequently, downright lies. Thankfully, there’s an infinitely better Voice offering much-needed truth. Jeff Loman shares some thoughts and some Scripture about our identity and who should have our ear on this very important topic.
THE WRONG PLACES TO FIND YOUR IDENTITY
I saw an article not long ago that anxiety and depression are a rising problem for Americans. It’s all across the country and especially among an age group from high school students to young people in their 20s. In that study, they attribute those struggles to consumerism toward social media. Many of these young folks are involved in social media whether it’s Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, you name it. It’s like they’re trying to compare what they look like to what they see on social media and they don’t feel that they measure up. As a result, depression sets in.
It’s amazing that we allow things that are external to dictate to us what we need to sense and feel about ourselves. Basically, when you watch television, read magazines, scroll through social media, or simply talk to certain people, you are constantly being influenced into thinking a certain way about yourself.
Do you see the danger there if those are the voices we’re listening to? Undeniably, we are bound to be anxious and depressed, or at the very least, confused about who we are. We need clarity and truth instead of countless voices of shifting sands.
A BETTER VOICE FOR YOUR IDENTITY
Our identity needs to come from Someone who is stable, consistent, and solid. That someone is Jesus Christ who gives us a relationship with God. Therefore, it’s more important what God says about you and what the Bible, God’s Word, says about you. Even after tossing out what the media may say, what He says about you is still more important than a family member, neighbor, coworker, or friend.
Those fallible voices should not be allowed to dictate our day-to-day beliefs about ourselves and resulting behavior. Remember this:
Above all, consider what God thinks of you.
So what does God actually say about you? God’s word is full of wonderful statements revealing His heart toward you. Jeff shares a few of his favorites.
GOD SAYS YOU POSSESS HIS STRENGTH
I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Do you ever feel too weak to handle a problem you face? Maybe you’ve been called that to your face and your will to even try has been stolen. However, those who belong to Christ are told to not fear, but to have courage, know that He’s with us, and rely on the strength God gives. We don’t have the strength on our own, to endure the difficulties of this life. But God graciously infuses us with His own strength. You are strong.
GOD SAYS YOU HAVE HIS GRACE
I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge.
“Grace” is defined as God’s unmerited favor. As sinners, we deserve eternal punishment. Instead, God kindly bestows underserved forgiveness that comes with bonus gifts. The passage goes on to say that we have been enriched in every way! That doesn’t mean physical riches and earthly wealth, but a richness in speech, knowledge, then continuing to spiritual gifts, strength, fellowship and God’s faithfulness (1 Corinthians 1:7-9).
GOD SAYS YOU ARE A MASTERPIECE
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
This is one of Jeff’s favorites. It reveals that, yes, you are special. You are a masterpiece, a hand-made work of art in the eyes of God. You have purpose. You are precious. You are valuable.
WHAT ABOUT YOU?
What other verses encourage you about your identity in Christ? Tell us in the comments!
Do you need a new identity in Christ? Do you need to know God’s grace and forgiveness for yourself and become a child of God? Find out more here.
2 thoughts on “What Does God Say About Me? 3 Truths About Your Identity”
Thank you so much for this post. Sometimes even as a 47 year old woman I need to be reminded what I mean to God because that is all that matters, right!
You’re so welcome, Wendy! We all need those reminders sometimes! 🙂