True Identity

The quest to know one’s true identity has tremendous implications on how one will live.   The journal of the International Society for Self and Identity states:

“Work on self and identity has a special place in the study of human nature, as self-concerns are arguably at the center of individuals’ striving for well-being and for making sense of one’s life.  Life goals develop and are influenced by one’s view of what one is like, the way one would ideally like to be (or would like to avoid being), as well as one’s perceptions of what is feasible.  Furthermore, conceptions of self and the world affect how one’s progress towards these goals is monitored, evaluated, redirected, re-evaluated, and pursued again.  Thus, the “self” as a construct has far-reaching implications for behavior, self-esteem, motivation, experience of emotions and the world more broadly, and hence for interpersonal relationships, society, and culture.”

The core of how one will feel about oneself, how one will act toward others, and one’s satisfaction in life are all directly tied to how well one understands their true identity.  Knowing who you are is a key to knowing how to live well.

As we consider our true identity, the Bible has some fantastic information on who we really are as believers in Christ.  More than just a Christian or just a believer, our faith in Christ makes us true children of God!

“Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12)

“For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.  The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”  The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.  Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” (Romans 8:14-17)

Recognizing our identity as the children of God has tremendous implications.  More than just belonging to a church or having a “get out of hell free” card at death, we are the favored heirs of the Almighty God.  It means that we never have to doubt God’s love for us.  It means we have direct access for prayers to be answered, to have power manifest through the Holy Spirit in our life, to claim all the promises of God.  It means that we can rely on and expect God’s power to have a direct impact in our lives.  It means we are free to live to obey and honor God, and to let him work through our lives for His glory.

Many a believer does not live as if he expects God to do anything extraordinary in his life.  But the Bible shows that by recognizing our true identity as God’s children, we should not only believe that God can do the amazing, but we should expect that he will.

“If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:31-32)

“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.” (Ephesians 1:18-19)

By understanding that the awesome power and influence of the God of all creation is available to each of us as believers, we can live to greater faith, greater love, greater obedience and greater influence in this world.  Our hearts should be filled with a life-changing joy as we realize all that is available to us as children of God!


How does understanding your true identity in Christ change the way you think or act?