Have you ever been mistaken for someone else? Perhaps you’ve been told that you remind someone of their close friend- that you have an uncanny resemblance. There is a popular thought that everyone on earth has a “twin” somewhere that looks almost exactly like them.
Identity is important in life. We carry different forms of identification with us everywhere we go- everything from a driver’s license to a school I.D. But our identity is so much more than what we look like.
We are made to believe that our identity is found in what we do in life. For example, maybe your identity is wrapped up in being a cheerleader, singer, actress, or athlete. The things we do often define us and therefore we see our actions alone as our identity. Perhaps you’ve tried to fit someone’s identity into a stereotypical mold such as being a nerd, jock, or whatever the newest craze is. Because we’re led to believe that our identity is wrapped up in what we do (or how we behave) you may lose sight of the fact that there is more to yourself and others than actions and behaviors. Your identity is not only what you do, it’s who you are. Write this statement: My identity is the sum-total of my life story. The Bible teaches that when we become Christ followers we are given a new identity. Philippians 3 says we have taken off the old self and put on a new identity which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of our Creator.
As Christians, what should your identity be? There are three core elements of your identity that the Bible describes for you. Write down these ideas and the Scripture references that go with each of them. As you go through your week, come back to them and write down what you are discovering about your identity.
I am a child of God. In life your identity is largely developed through your family dynamic. To know God is to find your identity in Him as His child. Knowing who you belong to answers a lot of life’s questions! Read 1 John 3:1-3
I am a light to this world. Check out Matthew 5:14-16. Even a small light shined into the dark can be very revealing. Your identity in Christ will cause you to shine the light of truth into a world lacking truth and searching for identity.
I am an alien in this world. That’s why you often times don’t feel like you belong and don’t fit in! Don’t worry its okay not to fit in! In fact, you should expect it! Read John 15:18-21. Being rejected in this life is not the end of the world. Rejection can be a strong testimony to your relationship with Jesus.
Pray today that God will help you gain a proper perspective on who you are and what your identity is in Jesus. Ask God to give you chances to show other people the truth about their identity. Finally, ask God to help you not to stereotype people based on what they do and how they act. Seek His forgiveness if you’ve done this in the past and ask Him to give you a new perspective on the identity of others.