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Embracing Who You Are Becoming All God Created You to Be - Conclusion: Lastly, as Christians, there is a part of our identity that will remain permanent, that we often overlook and lose sight of - our identity in Christ. It's the part of our identity that doesn't depend on hair color, body type, heritage, talents, or popularity. The question is, do you know your identity in Christ? Or, do you define yourself by what you do and what you've accomplished in life? Or, have you allowed other people to define who you are and who you aren't? As Christian women, not only is it important that we know our identity in Christ, but it's essential that we embrace that identity and learn to walk confidently in it. If you are wondering how, then this post is the place to start. The basic definition of the word identity. The Webster’s dictionary defines it as the distinguishing character or personality of an individual. According to Psychology Today, identity encompasses the memories, experiences, relationships, and values that create one’s sense of self. As you can see, identity in general is based on a combination of the things mentioned in the definitions above that in essence shape how an individual views who they are. In light of that, let’s take a look at an identity issue that seems to be rampant in the Christian arena. So what is our identity according to the bible? Although all types of people are mentioned in the bible, God only ever defines two identities when it comes to the human race: those who belong to and have a relationship with Him, and those who do not. And these two identities are at such opposite extremes, that when a person transitions from not having a relationship with God, to accepting Jesus as their Lord and personal Savior, that the bible declares that they are a brand new creation. Whether you realize it or not, when you gave your life to God, you became a new creation.“Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” 2 Corinthians 5:16-17 (NKJV).
We live in a world today where everything is all about self-expression. As a result, many Christians have gotten caught up into promoting every aspect of their identity (gender, race, professions, political standing), while putting their identity in Christ on the back-burner. Now I'm not saying we shouldn't be proud to be who we are. Nor am I saying that we shouldn't stand for or fight for our rights and privileges - especially if those rights and privileges are limited based on who you are. But, whether I'm a man or woman, black or white, rich or poor - what difference does it really make apart from my relationship with God? The Christian Identity Crisis is the fact that we as Christians have forgotten that our true identity is found in Christ alone. Apart from Him we are nothing. It is God who gives us our identity and our purpose. Our reason for living. Period. My gender, race, background, education, and political standing are indeed factors that contribute to who I am. However, they should always be secondary to who I am in Christ. Not only did God choose us in accordance to His will and purpose for our lives, but He chose us before He ever created the heavens and the earth! “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you;
Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations” Jeremiah 1:5 (NKJV).
Understanding your identity in Christ is very important in living your Christian life. After experiencing new life by faith, you have been made a new person spiritually! You have the same skin, the same face, the same body, but spiritually, you are a “new you”! God chose me before He created the world not only amazes me, but it helps you to see just how special you truly are. God doesn’t make mistakes. Those eyes, that nose, that mouth, those hips, your complexion, the type of hair you have, your height: they were all planned and crafted by God. He knows every detail of our bodies, “every little detail and every small blemish”. o when we allow the devil or the world’s system in which we live to trick us into thinking that we are ugly, deficient, lacking, or not enough, we have to remind ourselves of who God says we are – fearfully and wonderfully made. There is no other 'you' on the planet. God knit you together exactly the way He intended you to be, which includes my big forehead, bow-legs, bad eye sight and all. Whether we realize it or not, everything about us is meant for the glory of God; in one way, shape, or form. “For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth” Psalm 139:13-15 (NKJV).
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