Your Identity

What would you say defines you? Is it a musical or athletic talent? Is it your looks or your grades? What is your identity? The Bible says that, apart from Christ, we are dead in our sins (Ephesians 2:1). Humans were made to reflect the image of God. But, because of the Fall (when we as humans rejected God), sin has affected every part of His perfect creation. This means “all our righteousness is like a polluted garment” (Isaiah 64:6). In other words, anything we do falls short of God’s standard of holiness (Romans 3:23). And so, nothing you can do will make you right before our holy and sovereign God—no matter how athletic or intelligent you are. He is the One who has given you those talents, and you were made to use them for Him. If you are a Christian, your identity is now in Christ. As 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, we are new creations because our old selves have passed away. So what does that mean for you? You have nothing to boast about but Christ and His redemptive work (Ephesians 2:8-10). Next time you are tempted to boast in or put your worth and identity in your own accomplishments, think about where you were without Christ. You were lost, imprisoned by your sin, and headed for hell—for an eternity without God. So thank God for His work in you. He will enable you to use your talents to point others to Him—for His glory and not your own. • Adelyn Newton • What is something you’re good at? • How can you use that talent for God’s glory and kingdom? • Read John 1:12, 1 Corinthians 6:10-11, and 1 Peter 2:9. What are some things that come with having your identity in Christ? I [Jesus] am the vine. You are the branches. He who remains in me and I in him bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 (WEB)

Read Verses:

Genesis 1:27; Isaiah 64:6-8; Romans 6:1-11