Where Identity Begins

“But you are a chosen people, 
a royal priesthood, 
a holy nation, 
God’s special possession”
(1 Peter 2:9 NIV)

Cross made by
William Wells Johnson, Jr.
(www.ironnature.com)
on display at Spruce Lake Christian Retreat Center.

Identity isn’t just a label; it is the essence of who we are. It is the tapestry woven from our experiences, beliefs, and connections. But where it begins is the foundation of our unique selves.

My mother had a passion for genealogy and learning about her heritage roots. It provided a sense of identity and belonging to a family she thought she knew and those she had never met. The excitement she felt when sharing her discoveries about a family member was like a child’s joy while on an amusement ride. This passion was handed down to her children and grandchildren. We were given a greater appreciation for heritage, resilience, compassion, and awareness of life’s benefits our ancestors didn’t have.

We discovered family secrets, hardships, overcoming challenges, skills, and musical talents, as well as the environmental and geographical backgrounds that painted a picture of what their lives might have been like. While we can make assumptions about their experiences, we do not know what their core self-esteem was or what they based their identities on.

We can learn many things from those in our family, and they have a great influence on who we think we are. However, the most important thing to understand about our identity begins with realizing that we are children of God.

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The world does not know us because it did not know him.” (1 John 3:1 NIV)

This lovely identity comes not from our heritage or achievements but from a loving God who calls us His children. When we wholeheartedly accept the truth that we are lavished on with God’s love through Jesus Christ, it transforms how we see ourselves and others.

“he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will-” (Ephesians 1:5 NIV)

There is no barrier that stands in the way from His love, not age, gender, race, disability, financial standing or occupation to separate us from each other. Despite our religion or lack of faith, or our sins, we all have the same Creator. We are all equally His! God had the pleasure of creating all things, all people. In this way we find unity.  

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20 NIV)

Our identity in Christ signifies a new life as co-heirs, sharing in His victory over sin and death. This union gives us the confidence to face life’s challenges, knowing we’re not alone. We can draw strength from His love and grace, fostering a sense of belonging and assurance connected to the source of our hope.

What do you find your identity in?

We often find ourselves identifying primarily with our occupation, relationships (as daughter, son, husband, wife, parent, and grandparents, or sexual orientation), accomplishments, degrees, and even our hobbies. However, we should first recognize ourselves as children of God, created in His image, destined to perform good works in service for others. We are saved and have victory from our sinful ways only through Jesus Christ. God is with us always and lives within us through the Holy Spirit. We are loved beyond measure and are important and worthy of that love. These things that identify us are only true through Jesus Christ. What an honor to be loved by God this much!

May your identity in Christ Jesus always be in your heart and mind so that it is what you share first.

Scripture marked (NIV) taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.