Identity is found in the God we trust. Any other identity will self-destruct.
-Lecrae, Identity
When you genuinely know who you are, people’s opinion of you changes nothing.
That statement took a while to be able to say. And even now, when people begin to criticize, condemn, and bad-mouth me it takes a minute or two (or days) to settle myself in the identity of Christ. But every time I must. Otherwise, my ability to love them like Christ requires us to will be severely handicapped.
When you think of yourself, if you are envisioning anything other than what the Bible says about you then you are doing yourself and your relationship with God an injustice.
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9
Why grasping your identity in Christ is important:
- You need to know how God sees you.
- If we don’t know God’s heart towards us, then when we mess up, fall short, and need forgiveness we will feel shame rather than safety in running to Jesus. There is no shame in Jesus. Anything that has convinced you that you can’t run to Jesus- throw it out.
- “In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness.” Psalm 31:1(NIV)
- God’s opinion needs to be the final authority in your life.
- If you’re going to get anything done for the Kingdom of Heaven then God’s word will have to weigh more to you than man’s word. People will constantly be contridicting what God says to and about you- pick which one you’ll follow. (Hint: always choose Jesus)
- “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority.” Colossians 2:9-10(NIV)
- When we stop trying to please people we make leaps and bounds in pleasing Jesus.
- Fear of man will hinder your confidence to step out in God’s will every time. You will never please everyone- stop trying. Say what God wants you to say, do what He wants you to do and let Him sort out the rest.
- “But just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.” 1 Thessalonians 2:4(ESV)
- “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Galations 1:10(ESV)
- Our identity, purpose, and worth are so much greater in God than they will ever be to man.
- If you knew you could sell your shoes to a store for $20, or you could sell them to someone you know who values them for $200, which one would you pick? Obviously, the highest bidder. So hear me when I say this- God will always be the highest bidder for you.
- “for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:20(NIV)
- When your identity is rooted in Christ, other people’s opinions of you won’t offend you.
- If you are easily offended, it’s almost always a result of insecurity. You feel as though everyone has wronged you because you have given other people the authority to be your happiness, security, and/or fulfillment. God is our source. Not men. He is the only One that won’t disappoint you.
- When we take the responsibility off of other people to make us feel valuable, we find it much harder to be offended by people’s shortcomings.
- “Do not trust a neighbor; put no confidence in a friend. Even with the woman who lies in your embrace guard the words of your lips. For a son dishonors his father, a daughter rises up against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law— a man’s enemies are the members of his own household. But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.” Micah 7:5-7(NIV)
I never want to intentionally offend anyone. I want to love on my neighbor. But if and when people are opposing to the will of God or His calling on my life I will have to be unapologetic in my unfazed perseverance. And so should you. Know what God says about you and run with it. Accept no other definition of yourself. Give no one else the authority to define you- not even yourself.
Truly knowing who you are is to doubtlessly trust God’s heart for you.
He loves you. His thoughts about and for you are good. He can be trusted. Let God define you with His righteousness today.
Be Blessed,
Jordan W. Smith 