Finding Your True Identity

Who God Says You Are

In a world obsessed with labels and identities—defined by what we do, where we’re from, or what we’ve accomplished—it's easy to lose sight of who we truly are. We often find ourselves trying on different "costumes" like a child playing dress-up, pretending to be someone else based on external expectations or internal insecurities. But when all the roles and labels fall away, who are we at our core?

The answer to this question lies not in self-discovery but in Christ-discovery. Our identity is not determined by the shifting sands of societal expectations, personal achievements, or even our past mistakes. Our true identity is defined by the One who created us—God. This realization forms the foundation of a transformative journey from the world's paradigm of works to the Kingdom’s paradigm of grace.

The World’s Paradigm: Identity Through Works

In the world’s view, identity is something to be earned. Society tells us, "Do your job, earn money, and then you’ll be happy." Or, "Fulfill your religious duties, think positively, and you’ll be a good person." Whether it’s professional success, religious observance, or physical appearance, the message is clear: your identity is tied to what you do. This paradigm is all about external conformity—trying to shape who we are by altering what we do.

But this approach is inherently flawed. It suggests that if we change our behavior, we can change our identity. However, this leads to a life of striving and exhaustion, as we continuously try to measure up to a standard that is constantly shifting. The world’s paradigm says that our worth is conditional, based on our performance and achievements.

The Kingdom’s Paradigm: Identity Through Grace

In contrast, the Kingdom of God offers a radically different approach. In the Kingdom, transformation happens from the inside out. It’s not about earning our identity through works; it’s about receiving our identity through grace. The Kingdom says, "Be a child of God, have a right relationship with Him, and then do the good works He has prepared for you."

This paradigm shift changes everything. Instead of striving to become someone through our actions, we start by beingwho God says we are—His beloved children, saints set apart for His purposes. Our identity is a gift, not a reward for good behavior. It’s something we receive, not something we achieve.

Rooted in Christ: Understanding Our True Identity

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, begins by grounding believers in their identity in Christ. He writes, "Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the saints who are in Ephesus and are faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ" (Ephesians 1:1-2).

Paul’s introduction is more than a formality. It’s a profound declaration of identity. He knows who he is—an apostle, sent by the will of God. He knows who the believers are—saints, set apart for God, and faithful in Christ. This identity is not something they earned; it’s something given to them by God.

The term "saint" can be misunderstood. In some traditions, sainthood is reserved for those who have lived extraordinary lives and have been officially recognized by the Church. But in the New Testament, "saint" refers to all believers—those who are holy and set apart because of their relationship with Christ. Our sainthood is not about perfection; it’s about being made holy through our union with Jesus.

Living Out Our Identity: From Belief to Behavior

Understanding our identity in Christ is the first step, but it doesn’t stop there. Our identity shapes our actions and behavior. When we see ourselves as God sees us—beloved, redeemed, holy—we begin to live out that truth in our daily lives.

This process is not about trying harder to be good. It’s about allowing the truth of who we are in Christ to transform us from the inside out. As we embrace our identity as saints, our behavior naturally begins to align with that identity. We start to live out the good works that God has prepared for us, not because we’re trying to earn His favor, but because we already have it.

For example, if we see ourselves as sinners, we will continue to live in defeat and guilt. But if we embrace our identity as saints—holy and set apart for God—we can live with confidence and purpose. This shift in belief changes everything. It allows us to walk in freedom, knowing that our worth and identity are secure in Christ.

The Transformative Power of Grace

The story of John Newton, the author of the famous hymn "Amazing Grace," illustrates the transformative power of grace. Newton was a slave trader, notorious for his cruelty. But after a life-threatening experience at sea, he began to seek God. Over time, he was convicted of his sins and transformed by God’s grace. He left the slave trade, became a clergyman, and spent the rest of his life advocating for the abolition of slavery.

Newton’s story shows us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. His identity was radically transformed—from a sinner lost in darkness to a saint walking in the light of God’s amazing grace. His life is a testament to the truth that our identity is not determined by our past but by our relationship with Christ.

Application: Embracing Your Identity in Christ

So, what does this mean for us today? It means that our search for identity must begin and end with Christ. When we look in the mirror of our soul, we shouldn’t ask, "Who am I?" but "Whose am I?" The answer to that question changes everything.

When the world tries to define you by your success or failure, your past or potential, remember that you are defined by the One who created you, redeemed you, and calls you His own. Let go of the false identities that have limited you, confined you, and distorted your true self. Embrace your identity as a faithful saint in Christ.

Living as a saint means walking in the truth of who you are in Christ. It means letting go of the labels that the world, others, or even you have placed on yourself and embracing the identity that God has given you. It means living with intentionality, pursuing holiness, and serving others with a Christlike attitude.

As you walk in this truth, you’ll find that your behavior naturally begins to align with your identity. You’ll begin to live out the good works that God has prepared for you, not because you’re striving to earn His favor, but because you already have it. Your identity in Christ is secure—embrace it, live it, and let it transform every aspect of your life.