Personally, My unique IDENTITY IN CHRIST--the IDENTITY Jesus gave just to me–"I am a truth-telling, foot-washing rebel serving the Kingdom of God as a pioneering ambassador, His giant slayer, a restorer of families, communities, and the local church!"
1 Corinthians 2:16 "For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he will instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ."
Embracing YOUR Identity IN CHRIST
Amidst the highs of all your successes and the depths of all your despair—it is essential to ALWAYS seek divine guidance IN CHRIST.
Philippians 3:21 "who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself."
Imagine if, in every moment of victory or defeat, you asked the Father not just why something happened, but more importantly, WHAT the Lord wants you to learn from it and HOW He desires you to respond to it in Jesus’ name.
Isaiah 30:21 "Your ears will hear a word behind you, 'This is the way, walk in it,' whenever you turn to the right or to the left."
"What do you want me to know, and what do you want me to do, Lord Jesus? You know I can’t make a move without you!" becomes not just a question you ask the Father, but THE lifeline He provides you, by Grace working through love so that you can go deeper into spiritual insight and RECIEVE His provisions.
Ephesians 5:23 "For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body."
This moment-by-moment practice of seeking “WHAT” Jesus wants us to learn and experience transforms our perspective, turning every situation, be it a success, sin, win, fault, failure, or even the sting of betrayal and loss, into a stepping stone for spiritual growth and spiritual formation.
John 16:23-24 "In that day you will not question Me about anything. Truly, truly, I say to you, if you ASK the Father for anything in My name, He will give it to you. Until now you have ASKED for nothing in My name; ASK and you will RECEIVE, so that your joy may be made full."
Asking our Father “what He wants us to learn and to do” takes us past survival and into His wisdom and power as He becomes our only source so that He can fulfill His sovereign will in us and through us.
James 1:5 "But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who GIVES to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him."
In a world rife with challenges and adversities, understanding our true IDENTITY IN CHRIST offers solace and a profound transformation that realigns our life's path with His divine intent.
1 John 3:2 "Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is."
As followers of Christ, when we begin to truly grasp the magnitude of God's GRACE and the authenticity of our IDENTITY IN HIM, we embark on a transformative journey that reshapes our lives and many lives around us.
Genesis 1:27 "God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them."
Understanding Our Identity
At the core of our spiritual journey is the recognition of our IDENTITY IN JESUS and BY JESUS. This isn't merely about who we are in the worldly sense—our jobs, roles, or social standings—but who we are in the eyes of God who created us.
Created in His image, we are inherently good, fashioned from His absolute goodness that is God Himself. This fundamental truth liberates us from the shackles of sin and the distortions of our self-perceived flaws.
2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore, if anyone is IN CHRIST, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come."
Living in Divine Grace
Grace is not just a passive gift; it is the active and ongoing SOURCE of our lives. It is through GRACE that we encounter the strength to overcome our failures, the courage to face our fears, and the resilience to endure our trials. Each step taken in GRACE is a step toward becoming more like Christ—more loving, more compassionate, and more faithful.
Ephesians 2:8-9 "For by GRACE you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast."
Divine Guidance in Every Decision
One of the most powerful practices as followers of Christ is to continually seek His guidance in every aspect of our lives. This involves daily coming before Him to ask, "Lord, what do you want me to know, and what do you want me to do?" This simple yet profound inquiry invites Jesus into our decision-making processes, ensuring that our choices align with His will and purposes.
Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."
Teaching Us How to Live
Asking Jesus to teach us how to live our lives as if He were us brings about a radical reorientation of our priorities and actions. It compels us to live not for ourselves but for the higher calling of God’s kingdom. In embodying Christ’s love, patience, and humility, we become beacons of His light in a dark world that desperately needs hope and light.
Philippians 2:5 "Have this attitude in yourselves which was also IN CHRIST Jesus."
A Call to Transformation
Our IDENTITY IN CHRIST, supported by the boundless GRACE of God, and guided by the continual presence of Jesus in our lives, creates a powerful narrative of transformation.
2 Corinthians 5:20 "Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God."
His journey is not just about personal fulfillment but about becoming agents of His reconciliation in a broken world. As we live out our true IDENTITY, loving our enemies we invite others to discover theirs, creating a ripple effect of transformation that has the power to revolutionize the world.
John 1:14 "And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Each believer’s journey through GRACE is unique, but the destination is the same: a life lived fully in the image of Christ, reflecting His love and truth in every word, action, and thought. It’s a path worth pursuing, a life worth living, and a calling worth answering.
John 1:16 "For of His fullness we have all RECEIVED, and grace upon grace. For the Law was GIVEN through Moses; grace and truth were REALIZED through Jesus Christ."
If people wholeheartedly received, believed, and followed the principles outlined in the understanding of their IDENTITY IN CHRIST, the transformative impact on individual lives and communities could be profound and far-reaching. Here are some potential outcomes:
The Transformative Power of Our Identity IN CHRIST
Personal Transformation
Individuals experience significant spiritual growth as they come to understand their IDENTITY IN CHRIST more deeply. This growth manifests in a stronger faith, increased fruit of the Spirit (such as love, joy, peace, and patience), and a deeper more intimate joy-filled relationship with God.
Galatians 5:22-23 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
Recognizing that we are created in God’s image and redeemed by Christ's blood liberates people from the burden of past sins and the ongoing struggle with guilt. This freedom allows for living a life that reflects God's GRACE more clearly.
Romans 8:1 "Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are IN CHRIST Jesus."
With a firm grasp on your divine IDENTITY and reliance on God’s GRACE, believers develop a greater resilience against life’s challenges. Understanding that trials can be transformative under God’s GRACE would enable people to face difficulties with hope, endurance, and even joy.
James 1:2-4 "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Community Impact
As individuals embody Christ’s love, patience, and humility, relationships within families, churches, and communities will strengthen. These qualities foster forgiveness, understanding, and mutual support, which are essential for healthy relationships.
Ephesians 4:2-3 "with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
Believers living out their faith in tangible ways can lead to significant social change. This might include increased charitable activities, advocacy for justice, and better stewardship of resources—all reflecting Christ's love and mercy to the broader society.
Matthew 5:16 "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."
A community of believers living authentically according to their IDENTITY IN CHRIST would be a powerful witness to the world. This authenticity makes the gospel attractive to non-believers, potentially leading to more people coming to faith and being discipled.
Matthew 28:19-20 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
Global Influence
As more individuals grasp their IDENTITY IN CHRIST and His teachings about love and forgiveness, there will be greater efforts towards reconciliation in culturally and racially divided societies. The gospel’s power to unite across traditional divides will become evident.
Colossians 3:13-14 "Bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity."
Believers grounded in their IDENTITY IN CHRIST and living out His principles will take up significant roles in moral and ethical leadership. This influence will shape policies and practices in various sectors of society, including politics, business, and education.
Philippians 2:15 "so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world,"
A widespread acceptance and adherence to these principles could lead to revival—deep spiritual renewal and awakening that could transform entire communities and nations. Revivals historically have renewed churches and brought about societal reforms.
Acts 2:17 "‘And it shall be in the last days,’ God says, ‘That I will pour forth of My Spirit on all mankind; And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, And your young men shall see visions, And your old men shall dream dreams;"
Believing and living according to our IDENTITY IN CHRIST changes not only the individual believer but has the potential to transform families, communities, and even entire societies. It lays a foundation for a life of purpose, directed by divine wisdom and motivated by unconditional love.
John 3:27 "John answered and said, “A man can RECEIVE nothing unless it has been given him from heaven."
As individuals and communities align more closely with God's will and character, the kingdom of God becomes more visible on earth, drawing more people into a saving relationship with King Jesus. This is the ultimate goal and the profound impact of truly understanding and living out our IDENTITY IN CHRIST.
Matthew 6:10 "Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven."
What Does it Mean to Ask Jesus, "What Do You Want Me to Learn and Do?"
Asking God what He wants you to know and do in every situation helps reframe your understanding of situations from His eternal perspective. It shifts the focus from immediate circumstances to the bigger picture of God's plan for your life and how each experience contributes to your spiritual growth."
Romans 8:28 "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."
Asking what God wants you to do moves you from passive observation to active participation in your faith journey. It involves looking for God's guidance in responding to life's challenges and opportunities in ways that align with His will and character."
Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."
Inquiring about what God wants us to learn from our successes and failures alike cultivates a spirit of humility and teachability. It implies that everything—successes, sins, faults, failures, and even suffering—can teach us something valuable, helping us grow closer to God and more like Christ."
James 1:2-4 "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Daily Implementation
Living out this query to the Holy Spirit every minute of every day involves developing a continual dialogue with our Heavenly Father. It means consistently turning to Him in prayer, not just in moments of decision or crisis but as a regular practice."
1 Thessalonians 5:17 "Pray without ceasing."
This might look like pausing before making decisions to pray for guidance, reflecting on scriptures that relate to current challenges, or even seeking counsel from spiritual mentors who can offer biblical insights into your experiences.
Psalm 119:105 "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
Consequences, Results, and Outcomes
Regularly seeking God's perspective increases your sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s promptings, making it easier to discern His voice amid life's noise."
John 10:27 "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me."
Consistently asking God these questions deepens our trust in Him, as we learn to rely more on His guidance than on our own understanding."
With divine input, our decisions are more likely to align with God’s desires, leading to more fruitful outcomes and fewer regrets.
Isaiah 30:21 "Your ears will hear a word behind you, 'This is the way, walk in it,' whenever you turn to the right or to the left."
Understanding what God wants us to learn from adversities strengthens our ability to endure hardships and suffer joyfully in trials.
Romans 5:3-4 "And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope."
As we act in accordance with God's will, our life increasingly reflects Christ to others."
Over time, this practice molds us into a person who not only knows about God but truly knows Him and mirrors His attributes—love, patience, kindness, and humility—in all aspects of our life.
2 Corinthians 3:18 "But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit."
Believing and living according to our IDENTITY IN CHRIST changes not only the individual believer but has the potential to transform families, communities, and even entire continents.
Ephesians 4:22-24 "That, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth."
These scriptures serve to illuminate and reinforce the principles discussed, grounding them solidly in biblical truth and making the guidance more accessible and actionable for believers seeking to deepen their walk with Christ.
John 17:22 "The glory which You have GIVEN Me I have GIVEN to them, that they may be one, just as We are one;"
Our IDENTITY IN CHRIST is deeply intertwined with recognizing the absolute goodness of God. This foundational belief posits that to truly know and embody our IDENTITY IN CHRIST, we must first grasp the unblemished nature of God's goodness, which lacks any form of darkness, evil, rebellion, deceit, or self-centeredness.
Core Aspects of Our Identity IN CHRIST
God is portrayed as the ultimate source of all that is good, with no trace of evil. As believers, the assertion is that we were created from this divine goodness, which inherently makes us good. This inherent goodness forms the basis of our IDENTITY as Christians.
Matthew 7:7 “Ask, and it will be GIVEN to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be OPENED to you.
God crafted humans with precision and intentionality based on His own standards of goodness. This design was not arbitrary but purposeful, aiming to reflect His nature. As sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, husbands, brothers, and members of the Church—the Bride of Christ—we are made to mirror this divine goodness in all relational and communal aspects.
John 5:43 "I have come in My Father’s name, and you do not RECEIVE Me; if another comes in his own name, you will RECEIVE him."
The journey of a Christian is characterized by an ongoing transformation, where individuals continually grow into the likeness of Christ’s goodness. This process is not just about moral improvement but involves a deeper, spiritual metamorphosis that aligns us more closely with God's character and purposes.
Matthew 5:7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall RECEIVE mercy.
Our transformation and sanctification are made possible through the sacrificial act of Jesus Christ. By His blood, we are not only redeemed but also made holy—set apart for God's purposes. This sanctification process is critical in allowing us to live out the goodness that was implanted in us at creation.
1 Corinthians 12:7 "But to each one is GIVEN the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good."
Being born by the will of God for His good works, believers are called to actively participate in this inherent goodness. This participation involves embodying and expressing God's goodness in every aspect of life, contributing to the restoration and healing of the world.
Implications for Believers
Understanding and embracing this concept of IDENTITY IN CHRIST leads to a life that is fundamentally oriented toward goodness. This orientation impacts how believers view themselves, interact with others, and engage with the world. It fosters a positive IDENTITY that is resilient in the face of life's challenges and adversities because it is rooted in the unchanging nature of God's goodness.
Philippians 4:6-7 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds IN CHRIST Jesus."
By recognizing our IDENTITY in the goodness of God, we cultivate healthier relationships, characterized by His GRACE, humility, surrender, obedience, forgiveness, and unconditional love. This new relationship then form the bedrock of strong, vibrant communities that reflect the kingdom of God.
1 Peter 5:7 "Casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you."
A life lived in the reflection of God's goodness is a powerful testimony to the transformative power of the Gospel. This authentic living can draw others to Christ, providing a real-life example of the Gospel's impact.
Psalm 32:8 "I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you."
As more individuals embrace this IDENTITY, it could lead to broader societal changes, including cultural reconciliation and ethical leadership. This influence extends the kingdom of God by promoting peace, justice, and goodness at all levels of society.
Jeremiah 33:3 "Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known."
Understanding our IDENTITY IN CHRIST as rooted in the absolute goodness of God empowers believers to live out their faith with confidence and clarity. It allows them to be agents of change in their personal lives and communities, actively participating in God's redemptive work in the world.
Psalm 143:10 "Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; Let Your good Spirit lead me on level ground."
Creating a list of lies we believe about ourselves helps in identifying the false identities that are often imposed by the world, the devil, and our own flesh. These deceptive perceptions can cloud our understanding of our true IDENTITY IN CHRIST, leading us away from the life God intended for us. Recognizing and renouncing these lies is a crucial step towards embracing the truth of who we are in Jesus, allowing His redemptive work to transform us into His likeness.
Here is a comprehensive list of common lies and false identities that can ensnare us:
I Am Unlovable: The belief that one’s flaws make them unworthy of love.
I Am Worthless: The idea that without certain achievements, status, or approval, one has no value.
I Am Not Enough: The feeling of always falling short no matter how much one tries.
I Must Be Perfect: The pressure to meet an impossible standard to be acceptable.
I Have No Purpose: The doubt in one’s significance or impact in the world.
I Cannot Change: The resignation to current negative circumstances or behaviors as unchangeable.
I Am My Sins: Identifying oneself solely by past mistakes or current struggles with sin.
I Must Be in Control: The fear that letting go of control will result in chaos or harm.
I Am Alone: The fear that there is no one to support or understand one's struggles.
I Am Defined by My Past: The inability to see beyond past failures or hurts to potential growth and redemption.
I Am a Victim: The mindset that life’s challenges are insurmountable and defining.
I Must Be Strong: The belief that showing vulnerability or weakness is unacceptable.
I Cannot Trust Others: The belief that opening up to others will inevitably lead to hurt.
I Must Not Fail: Viewing failure as a catastrophic outcome that defines one’s worth.
I Am Not Smart Enough: The belief that one’s intelligence or capabilities are fundamentally lacking.
I Am My Body: Identifying worth and IDENTITY with physical appearance or sexual appeal.
I Am What I Have: Believing that possessions, wealth, or social status define one's worth.
I Am Invisible: The feeling that one's contributions and presence are consistently overlooked.
I Must Fight for Attention: The belief that love and recognition are scarce resources that must be competed for.
I Am My Emotions: Allowing temporary feelings to define one's IDENTITY and reality.
Addressing False Identities Through Confession and Transformation
To counter these lies, confession and repentance play a crucial role. By acknowledging these false beliefs to Jesus, we open ourselves to His transformative power.
Here’s how this process aligns with scriptural truths:
Confession and Repentance
By admitting these lies and our inability to overcome them on our own, we align with 1 John 1:9, which promises that if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Transformation Through Christ
As we confess and turn away from these false identities, we invite the Holy Spirit to renew our minds and hearts, aligning our self-view with God’s view of us as His beloved, redeemed, and purposed children.
Romans 12:2 "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect."
Eating from the Tree of Life
This metaphorical ingestion represents embracing the life and teachings of Jesus, allowing His word and Spirit to nourish and transform us from the inside out, making us partakers in His divine nature.
2 Peter 1:4 "For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust."
Fruit of the Good Tree
As we grow in our true IDENTITY IN CHRIST, our lives naturally begin to bear good fruit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, evidence of our connection to Jesus, the true Vine (John 15:1-5).
Galatians 5:22-23 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
In essence, challenging and replacing these false identities with the truth of who we are IN CHRIST is not just about self-improvement—it’s about spiritual revival. It is about becoming conduits of His GRACE, allowing His goodness to flow through us to impact the world around us, fulfilling the ultimate purpose for which we were created.
Luke 22:19 "And when He had taken some bread and given thanks, He broke it and GAVE it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”
By recognizing and rejecting these lies, and embracing the truth of our IDENTITY IN CHRIST, we enable the Holy Spirit to bear good fruit through us. As we are transformed by the renewing of our minds.
Matthew 21:22 "And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will RECEIVE.”
Therefore, as we navigate the unpredictable waters of life—through every joy, trial, and sorrow—let us continually seek the Lord’s voice. By consistently asking, "What do you want me to know, and what do you want me to do?" we align our paths with His purposes, finding not only the strength to endure but also the GRACE to thrive.
1 Corinthians 4:7 "For who regards you as superior? What do you have that you did not RECEIVE? And if you did RECEIVE it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?"
This question opens the door to a life not defined by circumstances but sculpted by divine response and obedience. It invites us into an intimate dialogue with our Creator, where every aspect of our being is shaped by His truths and directed by His loving hand.
Acts 8:15 "who came down and prayed for them that they might RECIEVE the Holy Spirit."
Let this query be the cornerstone of your daily walk with Christ, transforming your life into a testament of His unending GRACE and wisdom. Embrace this sacred practice, and watch as your life unfolds into a beautiful, divinely orchestrated masterpiece, rich with purpose and vibrant with hope.
Your Call to Live Fearlessly
Living fearless means waking each day with the assurance that our steps are ordained by God and empowered by Grace. It means engaging in spiritual warfare with the LOVE OF GOD given to us in Christ to love our enemies, knowing that we battle from a place of victory. It is about loving unconditionally, serving tirelessly, and giving sacrificially because we understand that our resources and our rewards are heavenly, not earthly.
Fearless living impacts our daily decisions and interactions. It changes how we view our jobs, our relationships, and our challenges. Instead of reacting out of fear, we trust King Jesus to transform us so that we respond with faith. We view every obstacle as an opportunity to display God’s power through our weaknesses. We see every interaction as a chance to show Christ’s eternal love.
As we look toward the end of days and prepare the Bride of Christ, living fearlessly is not optional—it is essential. It is the hallmark of those who truly grasp what it means to be IN CHRIST. Living fearlessly is living in and by His Faith, as we abide in the Heart of God. CHRIST IN US is a vibrant testament to the world that our God reigns, that Jesus has overcome, and that the Spirit empowers us. Let this assurance fill you with strength and boldness as we proclaim His kingdom here on earth, as it is in Heaven.