Discovering Your Identity: A Journey Rooted in Truth
The search for identity is a deeply personal journey, one that can often feel elusive. We’re shaped by the voices around us, expectations from family, career pressures, and cultural norms, but none of these external factors can tell us who we truly are. At its core, identity is foundational to how we live and relate to others. It defines how we approach our work, our relationships, and even our faith.
But our identity isn’t something we need to earn or build through our accomplishments. It’s something far more profound, something given.
Who You Are Beyond Labels
Many of us have been taught to measure our worth by our roles or titles. Whether it's the job we hold or the relationships we nurture, we often feel defined by these external markers. But these roles, as important as they may seem, don’t define our essence. Scripture reminds us of a greater truth: we are created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27). That means our value isn’t found in what we do but in who we already are. You carry within you the reflection of the One who created you, and that alone defines your worth.
Recently, I’ve spent time with a friend who lives on the streets of Lisbon. After losing his home,and struggling with addiction, he felt like he had also lost his identity, his value. The struggle to be seen, to be acknowledged, made him question his worth. But the truth of Scripture shows us that his value is equal to that of the person tossing a coin into his cup. Why? Because he, too, is created in God’s image. His identity is rooted in the same truth that defines us all. The life of Jesus reflects this, the journey of a true reflection of God, who showed us that every person, no matter their circumstance, carries that divine imprint.
Navigating the Tension Between Achievement and Purpose
I often meet people who wrestle with the tension between what they do and who they are. Fernando is one such person. A father and a dedicated professional, he has spent years working to provide for his family. But despite his success, he’s hit a point of exhaustion, wondering if the job that provides so much stability is also robbing him of purpose. I’ve seen this countless times, when our identity is tied to what we achieve, we start to lose sight of who we are. The Bible, however, offers us a different perspective. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that we are 'God’s workmanship, created for good works.' Our worth comes not from the milestones we hit, but from living in alignment with God's purpose for our lives.
Finding Meaning Beyond Success
There’s a familiar story I hear from many clients, particularly those who have experienced financial success yet feel like something is missing. Ana, a client of mine, had built a successful business, reaching goals she’d set years before. Yet, after all that achievement, she still felt an unsettling void. Her story echoes the experience of so many who realize that success, by the world’s standards, doesn’t always equate to meaning. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that God has plans for us, plans that go beyond material success to offer us hope and a future. Meaning, it turns out, is found not in what we gain but in how we align ourselves with God's vision for our lives.
How Identity Shapes Our Relationships
Our sense of identity not only shapes how we see ourselves but also how we relate to others. I think of Sage, a newlywed who found herself comparing her marriage to the ones she saw on social media. The comparison left her feeling inadequate and questioning whether she measured up. Comparison is a dangerous trap. When we base our identity in Christ, as Colossians 3:12 calls us to do, we can approach our relationships with more grace and less competition. Identity grounded in Christ transforms the way we engage, allowing us to see others with compassion and love rather than through the lens of comparison.
Steps Toward Embracing Your True Identity
If you’ve ever felt uncertain about who you are or struggled to find your footing in life, know that you’re not alone. There are steps you can take to reclaim your identity in Christ and live with more clarity:
Examine Your Core Values: Are you living out values that reflect your faith, or have you been shaped by external pressures?
Stay Rooted in Scripture: Meditate on verses like Genesis 1:27 and Ephesians 2:10. These truths remind us that our identity is found in God, not in what we do.
Assess Your Relationships: Who are the people in your life that affirm your worth in Christ? Surround yourself with those who encourage and uplift you.
Practice Service: One of the most powerful ways to rediscover your identity is through serving others. In doing so, you’ll reconnect with God’s purpose for your life.
Conclusion
Your identity is not something you need to chase or create. It’s a gift, rooted in the truth that you are made in God’s image, loved, and purposed. When you fully embrace that truth, it not only changes how you see yourself, but also how you show up in your relationships, work, and the world around you.
To go deeper, Check out our Podcast with Dr, John Kilner or download our workbook — Identity.
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