Identity Resetናሙና

Defining Identity

How do you see yourself? Consider gazing at yourself in a mirror; who do you see? Who you see impacts how you will think and behave the rest of the week. Examine the following statements and determine whether you have a consonant or dissonant identity.

IDENTITY: the way you view yourself and the roles you occupy
CONSONANT IDENTITY: when your view of yourself aligns with your values
DISSONANT IDENTITY: when your view of yourself is not in agreement with your values

If you didn’t admire who you saw in the mirror, it may be because you believe you can do better. Perhaps you value some things at a deep level, but you’ve not upheld those values. It’s time to re-align your identity with your values. Let’s begin by taking a quick dive into your thought life. Do you have any strong negative beliefs about yourself that prevent you from living out your calling? This may be a stronghold in your life.

Consider this verse that says, “We demolish strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:4-5).” A stronghold is something that grips you tightly, likely in the mind; do you have any beliefs about yourself that grip you tightly? Maybe they need demolishing. God’s Word explains a process we can follow to switch our thinking.

It’s likely that if you have a dissonant identity, it’s because you have strong values that you’re struggling to live up to. It’s possible (but unlikely) that you’re completely surprised by how successful you’ve become when you do not value hard work or feel passionate about life. But it’s more common for the dissonance to occur in the opposite direction; people feel under qualified to keep up with God’s holy standard.

This is our daily struggle. We are called to be people we simply cannot be on our own. We need Christ to reside within us all day, every day to help us fight for Godliness. When we invite God into every area of our lives, we are more likely to hold a consonant identity.

God, help me identify strongholds in my life. Increase my awareness to the enemy’s tactics so I can remember to call out to You! I want to honor Your holiness. Help me in my weakness.

Amen.