Identified

If our identity is in our work, rather than Christ, success will go to our heads, and failure will go to our hearts.

Tim Keller

Identity; it is who we are. It is what defines our own personal uniqueness. Our identity is so powerful that we can be recognized through our identity even if someone does not know our name. Is this decided by others or do we have full control? Can it be rewritten? Do you know your identity?

Your identity goes beyond your personal identification number on your legal documents. It goes far beyond even your finger prints. Is this permanent or can it be redefined? 

People tend to identify others through different aspects of their life and this is something I respectfully disagree with. For example, can someone be identified by what they do for a living? Surely you can point them out by what they do, but that is not really who they are. 

What we do for a living, where we live or even what we drive is not part of our identity, but yet it is used to identify who we are by others. 

Furthermore, should someone be identified by a mistake or something tragic that happened early on in their life? An individual could have had major accomplishments and significant impact in their community, but one mistake will invert their identity forever. People will always remember first the one thing that tarnished ones reputation. 

A true identity can be hidden behind many layers. It can be hidden behind layers of shame, guilt, pride, insecurity. Some may even hide behind an image of happiness, but miserably unhappy on the inside. 

Others continue living in a role outside of who they really are just to impress or fit in with the given culture; not knowing that your true identity lies in the hands of the one who created all things.    

You determine your identity despite the opinions around you. Think about what identifies you. What are the things that people will remember first about you when the story is complete? 

If you find yourself dissatisfied with what you have discovered; then the good news is that you can rewrite your story. Invert your identity into what God intended it to be instead of what others told you it should be.   

For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will. Ephesians 1:4-5

Ephesians 1:4-5