A Rock-Solid Identity

You can consciously choose where your identity comes from and build your identity on the solid rock that is Christ Jesus, who does not change like you or your culture will.

A modern identity is focused on the here and now. What will make me happy in the moment? A traditional identity tends to gravitate toward the past, keeping you from looking ahead. A divine identity honors the lessons of the past, cherishes the present, and emphasizes a perspective rooted in God’s nature and purposes. It drives you to develop a type of character to love God and love people. “Your life is now hidden in Christ in God” and not in any other person’s, not even your own.

In 1666, a great fire destroyed most of the city of London. One of its structural victims was St. Paul’s Cathedral, which had been a fixture on Ludgate Hill since 604 [1]. Famed architect Sir Christopher Wren was tasked with designing and rebuilding the cathedral. A story is told that he observed three bricklayers working on the reconstruction [2]. He asked each of the workers the same question: “What are you doing?” Each bricklayer gave a different response.

“I am cutting this stone,” said the first.

“I am earning three shillings and six pence a day,” said the second.

“I am helping Sir Christopher Wren build this great cathedral,” said the third.

Each worker had the same task. To one, the answer was just the task itself. To another, the task was simply tied to making a living. But the third worker connected the task to a greater and meaningful purpose. This is similar to a divine identity. When you know who you are and Who you are aligned with, what you do carries significance.

When who you are is built on the foundations of God’s identity, you are able to develop a rock-solid identity for yourself, one that is deep and meaningful and will stand the test of time. When your identity is found in Christ, every moment and every action has eternal significance.

THINK THIS: I am living a purpose-driven, virtuous life that serves and honors my Father in heaven and all members of His praise-worthy creation as I build up treasures for eternity.

NOT THAT: Being a Christian is just a part of my identity.

Consider the ways Christ Jesus is constant and unchanging, according to Scriptures. What reassurance does His character and constancy help you to feel regardless of your current circumstances?

Was this plan helpful? We adapted this plan from Think This, Not That: 12 Mindsets to Breakthrough Limiting Beliefs and Become Who You Were Born to Be by Dr. Josh Axe. Check it out for more.

[1] Ben Johnson, “The Great Fire of London,” Historic UK, accessed August 14, 2023, https://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofEngland/The-Great-Fire-of-London/.

[2] James M. Stedman, “Aristotle’s Cardinal Virtues: Their Application to Assessment of Psychopathology and Psychotherapy,” Practical Philosophy (2011), http://www.society-for-philosophy-in-practice.org/journal/pdf/10–1%20057%20Stedman%20-%20Aristotles%20Virtues.pdf.