Living Changed: Embracing Identityنموونە

The Labels We Live Under

No one likes to be labeled. That’s because labels are often overgeneralized, restrictive, and inaccurate. They come with a set of assumptions, which can be very negative, and they frequently highlight our worst qualities or biggest mistakes. Labels don’t leave room for differences, growth, or redemption. While others may try to assign labels to us, we have the power to choose not to live under them.

In my early 20s, I wore the label of promiscuous. I took pride in my body and loved when boys noticed me. I made one bad decision after another because I didn’t see myself as worthy of love. I was so broken that I often settled for feeling beautiful and sexy for a moment when what I really needed was to ask Jesus to heal me and make me whole. 

I continued to struggle with believing I was worthy of love even after I started following Jesus. As a new mom, I worried I was just an overweight nobody who had nothing to offer the world because I didn’t finish college. Weekend sermons encouraged me, but I had trouble bringing God’s truth into my everyday life. Looking back, I’m so grateful He didn’t give up on me. He kept giving me opportunities to do things for His Kingdom, even when I didn’t think I was capable.

We all wear labels, whether we buy into the labels that others have put on us or we put them on ourselves. All too often, we allow those labels to limit us and tell us we’re just not enough. Just. We add this tiny, yet significant word when we’re describing ourselves and allow the labels to disqualify us. You’ve probably heard countless people say it, maybe you’ve even said it yourself. “I’m just a high school student” or “I’m just an addict.” 

The truth is, you are not your age, your employment status, your diagnosis, your marital status, your struggle, or your past. Those labels may be a descriptor of your situation, your season, or your trial, but your true identity is in who God says you are and nothing else.

You are beautiful, capable, and worthy. You are made new in Christ. You were not given a spirit of fear, but of love, power, and a sound mind. You are more than a conqueror in Christ who gives you strength. You were created on purpose for a purpose. You are loved. You are chosen. You are enough.

Action Step:

Think about the labels you wear that are contrary to what God says about you in the Bible. What areas of your life make you feel shame? What are your biggest insecurities? What from your past do you try to hide because you’re afraid of someone finding it out? Ask God to show you what labels are weighing you down and to help you align your identity with biblical truth.