Divine Time ManagementSample

Living From Identity Not For Identity 

Who we believe we are determines what we do and how we feel about what we do. God wants us to use our time from a place of identity instead of for identity so that we can be completely secure in Him. 

This requires us to have these mindset shifts in relation to our identity:

• Uncertain vs. certain 
• External vs. internal 
• Relative vs. absolute 

The lie from the world is that our identity is uncertain and can be lost or change at any moment. The truth from God’s Word is that our identity is certain in Christ. As Galatians 3:26 (NIV) says: “So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith.” 

The lie from the world is that our externals determine our identity—how we look, what we own, or what position we have. The truth from the Bible is that what we possess internally in Christ is what matters. Colossians 3:12 (NIV) shares that our internal character should be our outward adornment: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” 

The lie from the world is that our identity is based on comparison, whether we are “better” or “worse” than the people around us. But the truth from Scripture is that our identity is absolute and earthly judgments and comparisons are meaningless to God. Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV) says it this way: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others.” 

As you think about how you spend your time, have you fallen into the trap of thinking your identity was uncertain, external, or relative? 

If so, how could you start to think differently about your identity and begin to make choices about your time from a place of security in God?