Discovering Your True Identity
Have you ever felt lost, wondering who you really are or what your purpose is? You're not alone. Even as adults, many of us struggle with questions of identity and worth. But what if I told you that the King of the universe wants to adopt you? Let’s explore the powerful truth of our identity in Christ, drawing wisdom from Paul's letter to the Ephesians.
Our True Identity Is Rooted in Our Relationship with God
When Paul wrote to the Ephesians, he didn't introduce himself by his job title or accomplishments. Instead, he said, "From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus, by God's will" (Ephesians 1:1). Paul understood that his identity wasn't defined by what he did, but by who he was in relation to God.
This is a crucial lesson for us. In a world that often defines us by our careers, relationships, or achievements, we need to remember that our true identity is found in Christ. As children of God, we have an unshakeable foundation for our worth and purpose.
Adopted into God's Family
Here's an incredible truth that should make your heart soar: God has adopted you into his family. Ephesians 1:4-5 tells us,
"Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ."
Think about that for a moment. The Creator of the universe chose you, loved you, and brought you into his family. This adoption is permanent – God will never abandon or forsake us. We are his forever.
Marked with a Seal
In the Old West, ranchers would brand their cattle to show ownership. While God doesn't literally brand us, he does mark us with a seal – the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 1:13-14 says,
"When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance."
This seal is God's way of saying, "You belong to me." When we stray or feel lost, the Holy Spirit within us helps guide us back to our true identity and purpose.
Our Mission: Becoming a Force for God
Once we understand our identity in Christ, we're called to action. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us,
"We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
When we know who we are, we can confidently step out to serve others and make a difference in the world.
Leaving a Legacy
Every interaction we have contributes to the legacy we'll leave behind. As children of God, we're called to imitate him in everything we do (Ephesians 5:1-2). This means living a life filled with love and following Christ's example.
Jesus encourages us to "store up treasures in heaven" (Matthew 6:20-21). By investing in eternal things – loving others, sharing the gospel, and serving God's kingdom – we create a lasting legacy that extends far beyond our earthly lives.
Putting It Into Practice
Remind yourself daily of your identity in Christ. Write "Child of God" on a sticky note and place it where you'll see it often.
Look for opportunities to serve others, using your unique gifts and talents.
Regularly reflect on the legacy you're creating. Are your actions aligned with your identity as a child of God?
Remember, your true identity isn't found in your job, your relationships, or your accomplishments. You are a beloved child of God, adopted into his family and sealed with the Holy Spirit. Let this truth transform how you see yourself and how you live your life. As you embrace your identity in Christ, you'll discover a purpose and worth that nothing in this world can shake.
Reflection:
How does knowing you are a child of God impact your sense of identity and worth?
In what areas of your life do you struggle to find your identity in Christ rather than worldly measures?
How can you remind yourself daily of your true identity in God?
What "credentials" or accomplishments might you be tempted to find your worth in instead of Christ?
Application:
Take time this week to meditate on your identity as God's beloved child. When you feel insecure or are seeking approval, remind yourself of who you are in Christ. Look for opportunities to encourage others by affirming their identity and worth in God's eyes.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for adopting me as your child and giving me a new identity in Christ. Help me to find my worth and purpose in you alone, not in the things of this world. Remind me daily of who I am in you and empower me to live out my true identity as your beloved child. In Jesus' name, Amen.
