Identity is not found in our past mistakes or the world's labels; it is discovered in the unchanging love and grace of our Saviour, shaping us into who we were always meant to be.
Identity in Christ. You Are God's Masterpiece.
Can You Relate?
The day you were born, your life began blank. Your life has infinite possibilities, then. After birth, people start painting their view of you through the words they say to you, about you, and how they treat you. Some are good, and some are bad. However, their painting will hang in your “gallery of thought” and become your identity.
Table of Contents
Identity and Self-Image
Your identity encompasses various elements, including your family lineage, genetic makeup, and even your DNA. These are the building blocks that contribute to your identity from the moment you’re born. It also includes your particular physical mannerisms and patterns of behaviour.
Ultimately, your identity is a reflection of both your inner character and your outward conduct. It’s the combination of traits and behaviours that distinguish you from everyone else.
Your self-image is like a photograph. It’s a mental snapshot of who you think you are. Your experiences, beliefs, and emotions have shaped your unique perception of who you are.
Just as a photograph can capture only a limited aspect of who you are, your self-image is not a complete picture. It might be positive or negative, accurate or distorted.
Identity and self-image, while intricately linked, are distinct concepts. Your identity is the essence of who you are, shaped by your characteristics and behaviours, while your self-image is your personal perception of yourself within various contexts.
You Are an Image of God
Do you know what the very first thing God says about humanity is? Or let me rather ask: Do you know what the very first thing God says about you is? It’s incredibly important. In Genesis 1:26–27, God says, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness.” This means that, right from the start, God designed us to reflect Him.
Think about how amazing God is. He’s infinitely beautiful, glorious, and majestic. And guess what? God made you to reflect that beauty and majesty! God’s image gives you inherent, unchanging, and immeasurable worth. That’s how special you are!
Just as a statue represents a king’s rule, we represent God’s love and authority in the world. And if you doubt your identity, self-image, and worth, look at the picture of God. He made you to be like Him, and by doing that, we can learn more about ourselves.
Your Inner and Outer Identity
Think about when you look in the mirror or how others perceive you. That’s your outer self—the part of you that’s visible to the world. You might project a certain image or identity based on your actions, appearance, and interactions with others. People might form opinions about you based on these external factors.
Your outer identity includes things like your gifts and talents, the masks you wear, your personality, appearance, actions, and accomplishments. It’s the part of you that’s on display for the world to see.
Now, let’s talk about your inner self—the thoughts, desires, and dreams that others may not see. This is the part of you that’s known only to yourself and God. It’s where your true nature, moral character, values, beliefs, emotions, and deepest desires reside.
Your inner self encompasses your basic nature, moral character, personal values, beliefs, thoughts, emotions, and desires. It’s the core of who you are, beyond what others see.
An Identity Crisis
An identity crisis is like a storm that shakes us to our core. A moment of profound uncertainty and questioning. It often occurs during major life transitions, such as getting married, having children, changing careers, or experiencing loss. These events can cause our inner and outer selves to clash, leaving us feeling lost and searching for answers. It is when we are experiencing changes like these that our identity must not be based on shifting roles and relationships but rather on the unchanging Word of God.
Good news: God's Heart on Your Identity.
I want to share with you a profound truth about our identity. How does God see us, and what truly matters in defining who we are? What does God think about your identity?
His heart is clear. He wants you to understand how deeply loved, valued, and cherished you are. Your identity in Christ surpasses anything else the world may offer.
Your social standing, accomplishments, or job title do not determine your value. Being a beloved child of God, redeemed and made new through Jesus Christ, is where you find it.
Remember this: Your identity in Christ is your truest and most precious possession. Embrace it, cherish it, and live in the fullness of who God created you to be.
Questions and Answers
What does it mean to have identity in Christ?
Having identity in Christ means understanding that you are God’s masterpiece, created anew in Christ Jesus, according to Ephesians.
How can I view myself the way God sees me?
To view yourself the way God sees you, it is important to explore your purpose and have faith in the good news of being fearfully and wonderfully made by God.
What is the significance of Ephesians in relation to our identity in Christ?
Ephesians describes how God created us anew in Christ Jesus and how we are His precious masterpiece, intended for a special purpose.
How can I feel more confident in my identity in Christ?
To feel more confident in your identity in Christ, choose to embrace the truth that you are intentionally created by God and that you have a unique purpose in His plan.
Why is it important to have faith in understanding our identity in Christ?
Having faith in our identity in Christ allows us to see ourselves through God’s eyes and live a life that reflects the glory and joy of being His creations.
How does the Bible encourage us to embrace our identity in Christ?
The Bible, through passages like Ephesians, encourages us to accept and rejoice in our identity in Christ as God’s handiwork, created for good works.
Can exploring our identity in Christ have a life-changing impact?
Yes, exploring and understanding our identity in Christ can lead to a transformational shift in how we view ourselves, live out our faith, and serve others.
Your Invitation
If you want to see what the painting of your life looks like, if you have a challenge today, or if you want to make changes to your life, the good news is that God can repaint the canvas of your life. You can turn back the clock and become a person with endless possibilities.
Allow God to change the portrait of your life. Click on the link below this video to join us in our Biblical Transformation Life Coaching course. In one of the modules of this course, we will look at the canvas of our lives.