Kate was a client who seemed to have it all in life: she was beautiful, she was talented and she was wealthy. Kate was married to a good man, and she had two healthy children. What more could anyone want?

 The first time we met Kate told me she felt lost. “I don’t know what is wrong with me,” she said. “I have so much to be grateful for, and yet, I feel lost at sea. I don’t know who I am. I don’t know where I’m going or what’s next for me.”

Are You Seeking Validation From the World?

Maybe you feel that way, sometimes, too? Do you find yourself seeking validation from the world, hoping to find your place and purpose? Do you strive for the things of the world with the expectation that having more things will fulfill you?

If you allow the world to tell you who you are you are likely to fall into a victim story that can lead to a life of frustration, meaninglessness, and struggle. But what if there was a better way?

You Must Find Your Identity in Christ 

If this sounds like you, I would give you the same prescription I gave Kate. You must learn how to find your identity in Christ. When you let God tell you who you are the game of life changes in a big way. As you learn to see yourself as a beloved child of God you no longer have to seek validation from the world. Instead, you can live a life of purpose and fulfillment, knowing that you, yes, YOU, have inherited the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth.

The world will always define you by your circumstances. When you encounter difficulties and challenges you will feel defeated. You may call yourself a loser. Depression is likely to take over your thoughts. It is common for discouraged people to compare themselves to others, and judge themselves based on external factors. These people never achieve their full true potential because they never discovered what their true potential is. But when you learn to see yourself through God’s eyes and find your identity in Christ, you see yourself as a beautiful, unique, and valuable creation.

 David's Story Can Help You Discover Who You Are

David’s story is a great example of this. When David faced Goliath, he didn't see himself as small and weak. David had been a shepherd. In that role he had been called to stand up for his sheep against powerful predators. He had even brought down lions with his little slingshot. To us, the slingshot might not seem like much of a weapon. But to David, he felt invincible. He saw himself as a warrior and a conqueror. He knew that he was chosen by God for great things.  He knew he had the power of God with him.

King Saul tried to protect David in this coming battle by giving David the armor that Saul wore. David tried to wear the heavy armor. But David knew that his fighting style required speed. He certainly wasn’t quick with pounds and pounds of armor on his body. Instead, David knew his protection was his identity as God’s chosen one. Through this lens, David was able to defeat Goliath and claim victory over his enemy.

The story of Joseph also inspires us. Joseph faced terrible trials and challenges. He was betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, and unjustly imprisoned. But we never hear that Joseph lost sight of his identity as a favored child of God. He knew that he was called to a greater purpose. He trusted that God would see him through. He drew on the gifts and talents God gave him to add value wherever he was located. Favor and promotion followed him and caused him to prevail over challenging circumstances time and again.

 Joseph's God-Given Identity Triumphed Over Terrible Adversity

In the end, Joseph became the overseer of all of Pharoah’s wealth. Next to Pharoah, Joseph was the most powerful man in the land. His foresight saved the lives of many, many people. In Genesis 50:20, Joseph told his brothers “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.” He was able to forgive his brothers and reconcile with his family, knowing that his identity was rooted in Christ and not in his circumstances.

How can you find your true identity in Christ?

Understanding how God sees you and accepting His vision of you as your true identity is fundamental to a faith-filled life. When Jesus died on the cross He told God in Luke 23:24, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Notice Jesus did not say, “Forgive everyone but ____.” (Put your name in the blank.)

Jesus died for YOUR sins. There can be no doubt about this. There is nothing you can do to change this. But you can decide not to believe it. You can choose to continue to feel shame, guilt, and doubt. Unfortunately, many Christians make this choice.

DON’T LET THIS BE YOU.

The truth is, through Christ, we are forgiven, redeemed, and made new. All of us. We are no longer defined by our past mistakes or our current circumstances. We are not victims who are defeated by the world. Instead, we are called to live a life of purpose and abundance, knowing that we have been chosen and loved by the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

One scripture that speaks to this is Ephesians 2:10, which says, "For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." When we surrender to the fact that God says we are His masterpieces, we can begin to see ourselves as He sees us - as whole, valuable, and worthy of love.

You Are God's Masterpiece

We can boldly go before our God and seek His direction and guidance. He longs for you to recognize His presence and communicate intimately with Him. 

Finding your identity in Christ is a lifelong journey, but to journey with God makes the travel joy-filled and meaningful. When we let go of the world's definition of who we are and embrace our identity in Christ, we can live a life of purpose, abundance, and victory. 

Take heart, dear friend, and remember that you are loved, chosen, and called to great things in God, your Father, and in Jesus Christ, His Son.

You are God's masterpiece! He created you with a unique purpose and calling. Never let the world convince you otherwise! Open your heart to Jesus. Let Him tell you who you are today. Right here. Right now. Let His light shine through you. You have the power to create the Kingdom of Heaven on earth as one of God's foot soldiers. Take the next step, Friend! What are you waiting for? Let's get started. We have a community of Kingdom Gardeners! Join us and surround yourself with people who share your vision of a world fueled by divine love. Click below.