Identity in Christ ~ For Women
Often we hear statements about identity in Christ, but it is difficult to grasp what that really means. Does that mean we are supposed to act like Jesus or the disciples? Does it mean we sell all our possessions? Do we merely mention our Savior to friends?
The enemy is constantly trying to pull us away from Christ. He uses the world to give us confusing messages about how we don’t really belong to Christ or aren’t worthy to receive salvation. That is why it is crucial that we be rooted in our real identity.
If you have ever struggled with wondering whether or not you are truly saved, read Romans 10.
If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in Him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing His riches on all who call on Him. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Romans 10:9-13
This is confirmation that if we trust in Jesus for our salvation, we are His.
Our Titles
In the world, we usually identify ourselves by our titles – I’m a wife, mother, an author… How about you? Are you a doctor, ministry director, a student, a friend. Are you European, Canadian, a community school graduate, an electrician? We allow these earthly titles to shape and define us.
However, it’s important to know that there is a difference between the World and the Kingdom of God. Since the Kingdom is not yet fully on Earth it can be harder to understand our identity in that dimension.
The World
We are living in a fallen world, full of deception and confusion. We must be awake to the darkness and what better way to be able to recognize darkness than to cling to the light (Jesus). The enemy uses our fallen world to confuse our minds. He says you need to be attractive, perfect, financially successful and popular. The enemy will convince you that every solution lies in worldly idols like money, medicine, objects, horoscopes, alcohol, and things like that. He will whisper in your ear that you should cling to these things, because he knows if you cling to worldly things you will soon forget about God.
We are constantly being influenced by our surroundings which is why it is so crucial to pay attention to what are we watching, listening to, who are we hanging out with and accepting into our lives. Is this person or these things building up our faith or pulling us away from God?
The enemy will always try to use trauma to hurt you and to keep you right where he wants you. He will tell you that you are unloved, a sinner, worthless, weak and rejected.
Silent Titles
In the world, our identity is wrapped up in performance and titles. Often we inadvertently give ourselves silent titles. To find out what these are, consider what you are thinking about when you feel down in the dumps? Sometimes these silent titles are temporary and some may have been lingering for a long time, as a result of trauma or unfortunate circumstances. Have you ever silently labeled yourself as abandoned or abused? Or perhaps you have labeled yourself as an addict, ugly, overweight or plain Jane? Have you allowed the enemy to convince you of these things?
If you have believed these lies, take heart because that is NOT what Jesus says about you. Jesus will use the trauma inflicted by our harsh world, for healing and for goodness.
What Does Jesus Say?
What we receive through our worldly senses needs to be filtered through our identity in Christ. Jesus says we are made new, righteous, powerful, gifted, forgiven and loved.
Our identity is rooted in knowing who Jesus is. The key to our question is to truly know the character of our Savior. Just as we learn everything there is to know about someone we love, we must study Jesus, think about Jesus and make Him our priority.
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
Colossians 3:1-2
Model Jesus
Knowing Christ helps us understand who we are. Just like having someone you look up to and are trying to model them, you want to know everything about them, so you can be like them. One very important way to learn about Jesus is to read and study all the words that He has preserved for us in the Holy Bible. Jesus is holy, forgiving, selfless and patient (Galatians 5:22-23).
The world tells you your identity is based on what others think about you and your titles, but Isaiah 40:8 says – the grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.
This life is temporary, we are locked in flesh until it is time for us to live forever in heaven. We are to be a light on earth to be an example for those caught in darkness. We cannot help those in the dark if we ourselves are still living in darkness.
You Are A Princess
Do you remember the story Rapunzel? Or the more recent rendition, Tangled? The beautiful princess is stolen by the evil ‘stepmother’ and raised by her. The princess is told and sees that she belongs to the evil stepmother – but something doesn’t feel right. She is actually a princess, not an evil daughter – she is royalty. And so it is with us. We belong to Jesus but are living in a fallen world that is constantly trying to deceive us by labeling us with hurtful silent titles and trying to convince us that we belong to the world.
But we don’t belong to the world, we belong to God because – .…thus says the Lord, He who created you, O Jacob, He who formed you, O Israel; “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are Mine.” Isaiah 43:1.
We are His because we are grafted in to the holy family through our faith in Jesus. We are HIS. Therefore, turn away from the things that pull you away from Christ and make Him a priority in your life. Cling to Him and reaffirm your identity.
Cling to Jesus
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
Ephesians 4:29
Have you ever had a friend who was extremely critical of others? A person who is quick to judge is usually pretty unhappy inside. They usually are more judgmental of themselves than anyone else.
A friend who is loving and forgiving of themselves is usually very loving and forgiving to others. This Scripture in Ephesians 4 (listed above) applies to us as well. Do not say corrupt things about yourself. Do not let the devil get a foothold by accepting his twisted lies. If you are saying bad things about yourself, say ‘I reject that thought in Jesus name’ then say ‘I am a child of the King, I am chosen, forgiven, loved and strong.’
See the difference between what the enemy tells us and what Jesus says.
Rebuke those silent titles and replace them with God’s love.
Let everything you do be filtered through the lense of being a child to the King of the Universe. When you look into that mirror everyday, remember that God sees you and loves you. He is watching you and blessing you.
You are a princess of the King, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might (Ephesians 6:10). May the Lord’s blessings be upon you.
Tools
Forgive (others and yourself) – Forgiveness often requires prayer, support and guidance.
Pray – Pray often for others and yourself.
Alone Time – Just as Jesus would take time alone with God, so shall we. It is important to have undistracted time with the Lord.
Mentor & Fellowship – Spend time in fellowship with others who cling to God and find a trusted mentor if possible.
Scripture – Memorize scripture and study the Bible to get to know Christ’s character better and to model it.
Ephesians – Read the book of Ephesians to learn more about identity and the Armor of God.
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