Identity

By Javan Shashaty

One of my favorite movies of all time is Disney’s The Lion King. The music, the story, it’s all great! In the movie, Simba is a young and ambitious lion. He is also the son of Mufasa, the king of the Pride Lands. Some would say Simba just can’t wait to be king himself (too cheesy?). In a series of events, Mufasa is killed in a stampede and Simba thinks it’s his fault. This leaves Simba feeling ashamed and scared, so he runs away. But one of the greatest moments of the movie happens when Simba looks up at the stars to see his father, Mufasa, looking down at him. Mufasa utters one of the most iconic lines in Disney history: “Remember who you are. You are my son and the one true King. Remember who you are.” This reminder from his father is exactly what Simba needed to return to the pride lands and take back the throne that was rightfully his.

I love the story of King David in the Book of 1 Samuel. It’s the ultimate underdog story. David was a young, unappealing shepherd boy. Yet, God chose him over his brothers to be anointed king of Israel. Most scholars believe that David was likely between the ages of 10 and 15 when he was anointed king in 1 Samuel 16. What a scene that must have been! Now, we know that David wasn’t perfect. He definitely made his share of mistakes along the way. But I have always been astounded that even as a young boy, David knew who he was and he wasn’t going to let anyone else tell him otherwise. He was secure and certain in his identity. No matter what happened, he was king. God Himself said so. 

I know there are a lot of voices trying to speak into your life right now. It’s like everyone is shouting into one microphone all at once trying to tell you who you are. Your parents, your teachers, your friends, the media, celebrities, your Instagram feed, your latest Netflix show — honestly I could go on for hours. But did you know that God, your Creator, the One who made you in His image and likeness, the One who formed and fashioned you in your mother’s womb (Psalm 119:73), the One who fearfully and wonderfully made you (Psalm 139:14), the One who has the very hairs on your head numbered (Luke 12:7) and has loved you completely and unconditionally since before the foundations of the earth were laid . . . He has already told you who you are? 

The same voice that spoke the universe into existence and the same voice that cried out “It is finished!” on the cross is the only voice that gets to define who you are! He knows you more deeply, intimately, and completely than you know yourself. If anyone is qualified to properly label you and shape your identity, to tell you who you are, it’s God. He is the only voice that has the right to define you. 

And how does He define you? Through His death and resurrection, Jesus has declared you loved, accepted, treasured, precious, a masterpiece, chosen, set apart, redeemed. He has labeled us His friends and His children, conquerors, ambassadors, and citizens of heaven! Isn’t that amazing?

No other voice has the right to determine your identity because the voice of God already has. Maybe today, you need a reminder from your Father. Remember who you are! You Are A Child Of God! Remember who you are. 

Take a moment now to reflect on the things that have overtaken you. Reflect on the voices that you’ve allowed to influence you, tell you who you are, label you, and shape your identity. Spend a moment asking God to remove those lies and replace them with His truth. Ask God to fill you with His Holy Spirit and remind you who you are!