Not a Self-Determined But a God-Given Identity in Christ
Discovering who we are is a quest that’s as old as time, and shared by all.
Think about it. From action heroes like Jason Bourne to the magical sisters Elsa and Anna in Frozen, we all want to know who we are. Figuring out our identity is essential for our happiness and well-being. It provides a sense of belonging, purpose, significance, and worth.
So, how do we find an identity that is both true and worth living?
Today, individuals are expected to construct their own identity. It’s like designing your own superhero, but instead of capes and gadgets, you rely on your feelings, personal preferences, and even things like your gender preferences and who you’re attracted to. It’s all about looking inside and saying, “Hey, this is who I am!”
Today, individuals are expected to construct their own identity. It’s like designing your own superhero, but instead of capes and gadgets, you rely on your feelings and personal preferences.
This idea is very attractive. Heck, who wouldn’t want to embrace their unique self? It’s also a way to push back against being put into boxes that don’t fit us.
But while it has its appeal, it’s not always as simple as picking out a cool username or a profile picture. The reality is basing our identity on personal preferences might not always lead to the happiness we’re chasing.
Some problems and pitfalls with this
For one, not everyone finds self-worth and significance when they look inside themselves. We’re so hard on ourselves, that’s why we seek validation from others. Plus, our feelings and desires often reflect our dark sides and aren’t always healthy or good. Really, many of our deepest desires should be denied not embraced—denied for our good, and the good of those we love.
And let’s be real, we are highly social beings, and we are far too relational to pretend that we do not care about the opinions of significant others. Again, this is why we care what others think, like those who affirm us and get hurt or upset by those who reject us.
We are highly social beings, and we are far too relational to pretend that we do not care about the opinions of significant others.
Furthermore, our preferences aren’t just a reflection of us. We want to be true to ourselves but our preferences are shaped by culture, what’s currently popular, what our friends like, and what we’ve experienced in life. They also change like the weather, as do the cultural trends that drive them.
And fluidity doesn’t help. It again gives us nothing concrete to build our identity on. Like running out of outfits to wear, we run out of identities to put on. We might end up feeling disappointed, confused, or disillusioned. “I thought this would fix everything.” “I thought this would make me happy, or give me worth, or finally bring me peace.”
Another weakness, this is difficult on our most significant relationships. When we say, “This is who I am,” the people who matter most are supposed to support us, right? But expecting or almost demanding they affirm our self-made identity as the only truth can be tricky. They might have their own beliefs, and they might be worried about us. It’s like trying to balance what we feel with the people we care about.
A beautiful, solid, and eternal alternative
Guess what? There is a profound alternative that is rooted in reality, offering clarity, stability, and ultimate fulfillment. It’s not about ignoring our feelings or preferences, but it’s an identity that transcends these. It’s an identity found in the love and acceptance of the One whose opinion ultimately matters most.
In Galatians 3:26-29, the apostle Paul reminds us that through faith in Jesus Christ, we become sons and daughters of God. God acceptance is a big part of what we trust Jesus for. He doesn’t just accept us, He adopts us. He gives us new birth. His name. Jesus clothes us with His very identity, His righteousness. He shares with us His righteous standing and His relationship with the Father. He makes these our own. This is all imputed, endowed to those who trust Jesus to make you right with God.
When we believe Jesus for this, other identifiers like race, gender, personal preferences, and personal achievements no longer hold ultimate significance. For, in Christ, we receive an identity and a sense of belonging and significance that surpasses any other way of being.
When we believe Jesus for this, other identifiers like race, gender, personal preferences, and personal achievements no longer hold ultimate significance. For, in Christ, we receive an identity and a sense of belonging and significance that surpasses any other way of being.
This identity isn’t something we can create on our own. It’s like receiving a special gift that comes from someone immensely superior to us. It’s not about achievements or fitting into certain roles; it’s not something we can earn or attain. We cannot ascend to heaven or gain such status through our efforts. This identity is not at all transactional but it is utterly transformational. It’s a free gift from God given to all, that is, all who accept it through His Son, Jesus Christ.
For weeks we have viewed how awesome God is, how exalted and loving, and powerful and wise, because the more you admire a person, the more you desire their affection, the more powerful their affection toward you becomes, and the more significant the identity that they confer to you.
The more you admire a person, the more you desire their affection, the more powerful their affection toward you becomes, and the more significant the identity that they confer to you.
Season 2 Finale of Yellowstone
Consider the example of Rip in season 2 of Yellowstone. John Dutton wrote a trust for his property and called Rip—a faithful ranch hand whom Dutton took in as a teenager—his son and gave him an inheritance. Rip wept. He smiled. He asked for the last sentence to be read to him again. “He called me his son,” Rip said while visibly shaken, weeping at such love and acceptance.
If a man’s love and acceptance are that powerful, how much more to receive these from God?!
Yet it’s true. God the Almighty calls every person who trusts Jesus to save them His son or daughter. This changes their relationship with God and the world forever. Along with sharing God’s name and Jesus’ relationship with the Father, the believer is assured of God’s loving embrace and His fatherly care.
But even more.
Like Rip, you are granted the keys to the house, the kingdom, and to the future. This identity fuels passion and instills a deep sense of belonging and significance. It is not found by looking within and asking what we wish inside to be, but by looking outside of ourselves to Jesus Christ and receiving as a free gift the new birth and relationship with God that is given to those who believe.
Through faith in Jesus, you are granted the keys to the house, the kingdom, and to the future. This identity fuels passion and instills a deep sense of belonging and significance.
This identity doesn’t merely offer a ticket to an eternal future; it provides a home, a place at the table, and the promise of a resurrected body through which we will fully experience the life we were meant to live.
Conclusion
Escape the pressure to make yourself significant. Instead, embrace the worth, love, and significance that Jesus bestows on you. God’s opinion is the one that truly matters, and He sees those who are in Christ as precious as His own Son.
As we trust Jesus and embrace this identity He gives, we find peace amidst life’s challenges, confidence beyond our failures, and a hope that transcends this life.
In your quest for belonging, significance, and worth, look to the cross and turn toward the One who loved you and gave His life for you. Let Him tell you who you are. And may you learn to us cherish this identity and the One who died and rose again to give it to you.