Identity - Who am I in Christ?

When you are asked to introduce yourself to a group of strangers - what do you say about yourself? Do you mention your profession first? Do you try to make an impression with your appearance? Perhaps you emphasize what you have achieved, what makes you special - because you want to be seen and want to belong.

I remember the moment our first child was born. We proudly sent a photo to family and friends. But when I looked at the picture, I was overcome with a strange feeling: could this little face really show who our son was? To outsiders, he might have looked like any other newborn. But to us, he was unique. Not because of his looks or his achievements - but because he was our child.

When our daughter was born, we took a family photo. She was tiny in it, but she was surrounded by people who loved her and who gave her support. This picture showed that identity is not created single-handedly. It grows in relationships.

Our identity is more than what we bring with us - more than our body, our character, our talents. It is shaped by our environment, by people who encourage or disappoint us, by words that build us up or hurt us. And when I come to God, he gives me a new identity. Then he calls me: my child. I am part of his family. Loved just as I am - with my strengths, but also with my weaknesses. I am valuable, not because I achieve much, but because he created and redeemed me.

Jesus has freed me from my guilt. He has given everything so that I can be free - free from the pressure of having to prove myself. Free from having to earn my worth. I can let go, breathe, live and be sure that I am always enough in his eyes.

This identity gives me stability when life gets shaky. When I lose my job. When illness strikes. When my reflection no longer matches what the world thinks is beautiful. When I no longer “function”. And even when my earthly life comes to an end - I am still his child. He has placed his spirit in me - as a promise and inner compass. I am no longer alone, I am safe, I am loved, I am a child of the King.

Next Step: Are you living freely and securely in your new identity as God's child or are you trying to live up to human standards at the same time? Ask the Holy Spirit to show you what it means to be part of God's family.