Living Changed: Embracing IdentitySample

The Authority On Our Lives

When we’re young, our parents have the authority or power to make decisions for us. Even as we grow up and become independent, we still have to follow laws and regulations. There are expectations at work, in relationships, and in our culture. It’s a lot to balance, but ultimately, we have the choice to decide whose opinion has authority in our lives.

When I was little, I remember my dad saying I was “big boned.” He didn’t mean to hurt me, and I knew he loved me dearly. Yet, that didn’t keep his off-hand remark from stinging. I took it to heart and let that comment echo in my mind for years. It served as a constant reminder that I could never be smaller and I would never be enough.

Maybe, like me, you were hurt by something a close family member said carelessly. Maybe your mother told you that you were impossible, or your sister never wanted you around. Maybe you depend on compliments from your boss to feel like you’re doing well. Maybe you’re letting social media tell you that you’re too much or not enough. Who are you allowing to be the authority on who you are and who you should be? God and His Word should be the ultimate authority in your life.

In the book of Matthew, we read about an encounter between Jesus and Satan. The devil tries to tempt Jesus by attacking His identity. “If you are the Son of God,” he says. I love Jesus’ response! He doesn’t get defensive or try to debate. He knows who He is: the Son of God, heir to the heavenly throne, King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Notice how the devil questions Jesus’ identity twice before giving up on that tactic. That’s because Satan is not creative. He’ll keep coming with the same attacks and throwing the same lies as he looks for weak points in our armor. That’s why we have to stay on guard, and like Jesus, fight back with our greatest weapon.

Scripture is described as the Sword of the Spirit. When we use it to cut down the lies flying toward us, we’re giving God the authority over our identity and rendering the schemes of the enemy powerless. We aren’t meant to place our identity in our career, our past, our marital status, our children, what people say about us, or even what we’ve done for the church. The answer doesn’t come from our community, our critics, or our culture. Only God should have authority over what we believe about ourselves. Our true identity rests in Him alone. 

Action Step:

Take your cues from Jesus. Let His response to Satan’s attack be your battle plan. Don’t give the enemy a foothold by letting him make you doubt who you were created to be. Learn how to wield the Sword of the Spirit against the lies of the enemy, the unfair expectations of our world, and your negative self talk. You are loved, worthy, wanted, and cherished by your Father in Heaven. Declare that truth over and over until it replaces whatever deception you’ve allowed to take up residence in your heart. Who you are is His beloved child.