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How would you describe yourself? A wife, mother, teacher, a coach, friend ? All the above? Even though a lot of the above may be true, the identity of the believer, our true identity is found in our relationship with Christ! "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." 2 Corinthians 5:17
Although , sometimes we don't feel this way. We allow the world's view of us or who we should be run through our minds too often. Consequently, making us feel as though we will never measure up. We tell ourselves we are not thin enough, a bad mom, too old or too young. We think we have the wrong clothes or that we are too shy or too loud, a bad Christian, not smart enough, etc.
The list can go on and on but all of these things the world and Satan would have us believe about ourselves are nothing but lies. If we buy into these harmful untruths, we are kept from truly knowing God and experiencing His best for us.
Our best defense against this thought pattern is to continually renew our minds. We must hold fast to the TRUTH and cling to what the Lord says about us believing how precious we are to Him and seeking His approval above the approval of others. We should be so deeply rooted in His Word that when presented with the world's view of us, we can easily discern the lie from the truth!
I know this is all too easily said and we all struggle with our image; especially us women. I want you to know that if you are reading this today, I have prayed for your battle. You are so precious to him and there is nothing you can do to change the Lord's love for you!
Not convinced? I have put together scriptural evidence about your TRUE IDENTITY below! I pray that by the end of this reading, you will have the correct view of who you really are in Christ and how much you are loved!
Blessed with Every Spiritual Blessing — Ephesians 1:3
We should walk with confidence that God’s grace has provided us with heavenly blessings we do not see, hear, or even ask for. God is able to go above and beyond what we can imagine (Ephesians 3:20). We just have to activate that supreme power by understanding and trusting that our natural experience is influenced by the supernatural. All that we do for Christ is backed by the kingdom (Philippians 4:13). Higher forces work on our behalf (Psalms 91:11, Luke 22:43, Hebrews 1:14). The fact that all of this is already done not only justifies confidence in this promise, but it also necessitates our boldness in blessings that have already been delivered.
Loved — Ephesians 2:4
God’s gentle and abundant love for us withstands anything (Romans 8:39). Nothing compares to the feeling of knowing that we are loved for who we are. In addition to loving us for who we are, God loves us in spite of who we are. He loved us so much that He gave the ultimate sacrifice to make provisions for us just in case we chose life with.
Given the Gift of Salvation — Ephesians 2:8-9
We were born into sin, and we take part in it (Romans 5:12). Even when we strive to do what is right in God’s eyes, it is not enough (Isaiah 64:6). Our less than stellar daily actions and attempts always miss the mark of Christlike perfection. God knew that there is nothing we could ever do to deserve the gift of salvation, so the gracious offer still stands from Christ’s death. Salvation remains a bestowal of grace.
Guaranteed an Inheritance — Ephesians 1:11-12
Jesus died so that those of us who accept Him will become heirs of eternal life which awaits us in heaven (1 Peter 1:3-5). No matter how long it waits for our arrival, its purity will never be tainted, tarnished, or corrupted. It remains on heavenly reserve for each of us.
Sealed with the Holy Spirit — Ephesians 1:13
The Holy Spirit is our stamp of authenticity. Although the Spirit dwells within us, his shiny embossing seal verifies that we were bought with a price and forever belong to God (1 Corinthians 6:20). It is a declaration of our inheritance, protection of our position in Christ Jesus, and defender from attacks of evil (Ephesians 1:14, 2 Corinthians 1:22) The Spirit places a “no entry” sign backed with a roadblock barricade against oppositional access. Righteousness and evil cannot coexist in the same person. Ever since the day we accepted him, Christ’s spirit resides and rules within us.
Chosen Before the Foundation of the World — Ephesians 1:4
God chose to know us personally before our conception (Jeremiah 1:5). He chose us before our grandparents’ parents met. God’s loving foreknowledge of us put an intentional plan in place before he created the heavens and earth. That plan established our righteousness with Christ (Romans 8:29). This ancient plan is not only relevant to our well being today, but it also secures our future and eternity.
Given Peace — Ephesians 6:15
Not only do we have treasure in heaven, but we can also experience good in life on earth, as God works “all things after the counsel of his own will” (Ephesians 1:11-12). He faithfully gives us promises we can access here on earth. As we pray and seek his guidance, he shows us which path to follow (Proverbs 3:6). Traveling that path provides us with peace (Philippians 4:6-7; Isaiah 26:3). His will for us is to live an abundant life of joy, love, and peace (John 10:10). We have an indescribable inheritance stored away in heaven; it is encouraging to know that we can walk and stand in the boldness of peace while we carry out his will on earth.
God’s Workmanship — Ephesians 2:10
The God who placed over a billion stars in the galaxy created the different species of animals across the land, air, and sea. That same creative God meticulously placed every hair on our heads and fashioned us into the unique individuals that we are (Psalms 139:14). Each one of us is indeed a distinct design, as we are fashioned in the image of our Father (Genesis 1:27). God knew that we would one day come to know him and designed us with very specific characteristics to carry out His holy will (Ephesians 4:11-12). His work in and through our lives continually molds us into the Christlike children that he calls us to be.
Created in Christ Jesus for Good Works — Ephesians 4:11-12
We were made on purpose for a purpose. No matter what our roles are at home or work, we should move and act with divine purpose. Thus, each daily task should be carried out with reverence because our sovereign authority is watching (Colossians 3:23-24). Paychecks and other job benefits pale in comparison to the reward that God promises us for our efforts as long as we continue diligently working in His will (Galatians 6:9). We are representatives of God, and our good works should be a light that lifts and glorifies our Father in Heaven (Matthew 5:16).
Reconciled to God — Ephesians 2:13-16
The intentional death of Jesus serves many purposes-one being removal of anything that blocks our access to the Father. Sin was the ultimate barrier. The trinity collaborated to resolve this issue. God sent Jesus (1 John 4:9, Romans 8:3). Jesus agreed to die (Luke 9:22, John 11:50). After his death, the Holy Spirit came and remains as the comforter until Christ’s return (John 14:26, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4). Because of the trinity’s grand plan, we have been reconciled and will forever have full access to our Father, the one and only true living God (Romans 5:10).
Given Access to the Father — Ephesians 2:17-19
When Jesus died, the veil that separated us from God was torn from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51). The veil represented a boundary between us and our heavenly Father, but Jesus’ death destroyed the veil and anything limiting our direct access to God, our Father. It is even more amazing to know that our Father is the Creator and Sustainer of life. He is a loving and attentive father (Philippians 4:19). Minute by minute, he meticulously cares for all of our needs (and most of our wants) all while holding the universe in the palm of his hand.
Made Alive with Christ — Ephesians 2:4-5
Things of the world appeal to our sinful nature. As a result, our natural being revels in fleshly pleasures but rejects things of the spirit (1 Corinthians 2:14). However, rebirth in Christ restructures our entire mindset and way of living (2 Corinthians 5:17). This does not mean that we will not be tempted by our sinful nature. Being made alive with Christ serves as an encouraging reminder that we should “consider ourselves dead to sin” (Romans 6:11). Sin no longer rules our lives.
Lavished with Grace — Ephesians 1:8
Many people truthfully admit that “Grace is receiving what we do not deserve.” Grace embodies a multitude of the known and unknown that God generously gives us so much of. Sometimes we see grace unfold before our very eyes. Even if we do not recognize those events of grace, God still faithfully and freely showers us with it. God’s ultimate gift of grace is redemption through Christ Jesus (Romans 3:24). Without it we would be lost forever. Grace lingers close and strengthens us to stand during tumultuous times (2 Corinthians 12:8-9). There is nothing we could ever do to be worthy of such an extravagant gift (Ephesians 2:8-9), yet we can maintain confidence that grace is available in abundance and will never run out.
Given Knowledge of the Mystery of His Will — Ephesians 1:9
God’s pure and perfect will is a mystery to the dying world. Unlike those in the dying world, we (the saints) accept full knowledge of the gospel, which remains a secret to some (1 Corinthians 2:7). The gospel is far reaching. It ranges from the crucifixion of Christ and redeeming of Gentiles to calls for the great commandment and guidance of the Holy Spirit. There is so much to understand but one thing to know for sure. Power of the gospel has sustained us through obstacles in the past and will strengthen us for times to come in the future (Romans 16:25).
Given Hope — Ephesians 1:18
We navigate our earthly journey with hope. This hope is accompanied with advice from the Holy Spirit of how see beyond earthly situations to glean a heavenly perspective. This spiritual insight encourages us to remain steadfast and resilient. It reminds us that we “live and move and have our being” in Christ Jesus (Acts 17:28). It reassures us that God’s master plan will prevail (Jeremiah 29:11) and that God gives us power and grace to carry out his will which results in peace and eternal riches. We have hope now and forever.
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