Welcome to the kingdom citizens blog!
A strong identity that is rooted in Christ gives us confidence to stand firm in our biblical values, even in the face of adverse challenges.
What am I? Who am I, really? Am I just an accidental conglomerate of cosmic dust or am I more? Does life have meaning; does my life have meaning? What defines me at my core? Am I living as my true self, or am I just conforming to others' expectations? What are my values, and do I live by them? What is my purpose in life? How do others perceive me, and does it matter? Am I a good friend, brother, son, or father? How do my relationships reflect my identity? Do I allow people to define me, or do I stand firm in who I am?
These valid questions are important. At least one of these questions are asked by the average person every day. But as believers in Christ, we aren’t among the average. We are the “peculiar” in Christ. As believers and citizens of God’s Kingdom, we may ask some of the same questions. However, others are uniquely relevant to our faith or lack thereof. Let's dive deeper into how to petition heaven for clarity on our God-given identities.
The Questions that Matter
What does God say about who I am? How does my faith shape my identity? Am I living in alignment with God’s will? What does it mean to be a godly man? How do I balance my personal desires with God’s calling for me? How do I embody biblical masculinity/femininity? Am I leading and serving my family in a godly way? What kind of man/woman do I want to become? How do I develop strength, discipline, and character in a way that honors God? Am I surrounding myself with people who help me grow spiritually and personally?
When asking these questions, we must learn to respect who God says we are. Guidance counselors can get it wrong. Parents can get it wrong. We can get it wrong but God already knows what great things He has planned for you and I (Ephesians 1:1-6, Jeremiah 29:11). Believe that God is all powerful and all knowing. When we trust in Him, we can override the negative feelings and emotions that attempt to deter us from embracing what He is capable of and willing to do in our lives.
What’s the deal with asking all these questions? Oftentimes, the answers to these questions we produce or accept can become the foundation of what we allow our identity to shape into. Having a clear identity is important because it shapes how we see ourselves, how we relate to others, and how we navigate life. When exploring who we are, we tend to do so by using certain identifiers that help us connect with a sense of value. Those particular identifiers we focus on are critical.
Investigating Identity
In order to discover the correct and most beneficial identifiers of self value and personhood, let’s define what identity is. Let’s investigate the definition of identity, then clarify how we should define identity biblically. Oxford Languages defines Identity as, “the fact of being who or what a person or thing is; a close similarity or affinity; identicalness.”
Identity refers to the qualities, beliefs, personality, and characteristics that define a person or a group. It encompasses how individuals see themselves and how they are recognized by others. Identity can be shaped by various factors, including culture, religion, personal experiences, relationships, and societal influences.
Knowing who we are helps us understand our purpose. Without a strong sense of identity, life can feel aimless or confusing. When our identity is rooted in God, we gain clarity about our role in His plan. In a world full of shifting opinions and expectations, a solid identity acts as an anchor. If our identity is based on external things—like success, appearance, or relationships—it can easily crumble. But if it's rooted in Christ, it remains unshaken.
What we believe about ourselves influences our choices. If we see ourselves as children of God, we’ll strive to live in a way that honors Him. A weak or confused identity can lead to choices that don’t align with who we truly are. When we know our worth, we’re less likely to be swayed by doubt, fear, or the opinions of others.
A strong identity gives us confidence to stand firm in our values, even in the face of challenges. How we see ourselves affects how we interact with others. A secure identity fosters healthy relationships, while an uncertain identity can lead to insecurity, comparison, or seeking validation from people rather than God.
Our identity influences the mark we leave on the world. If our identity is built on faith, character, and purpose, our lives will reflect something greater than our individual person—leaving an impact that outlasts you and I. Whether independently or collectively, our desire should be to use our identity in Christ to leave a generational impression in favor of the Kingdom of God.
Thoughts For the Road
From a biblical perspective, identity is deeply rooted in our relationship with God. According to Scripture, true identity is found in Christ:
Created in God’s Image (Genesis 1:27)
“So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”
Humans are made in the image of God, giving them inherent value and purpose.
New Identity in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17)
“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come!”
Believers are transformed into a new creation through faith in Jesus.
Adopted as Children of God (Romans 8:15)
“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.”
Those who follow Christ are no longer defined by the world but by their status as sons and daughters of God.
Consider these 3 key values that define our identity: We are created in the image of God, we have access to obtaining a new identity in Christ, as well as adoption as a child of God. All humans are created in the image of God. However, a new identity in Christ and adoption as a child of God is reserved for those whose identity is embedded (engrafted) fully in the Vine of Jesus Christ. There is a distinction between humans that are made in the image of God and humans who are children of God. We’ll discuss this divergence in identity in a later teaching.
Make sure to stay tuned in for this next blog post so you don't miss out on your word of encouragement...We'll be investigating how our personal identities are verified and utilized in the Kingdom of God. Thank you and God bless!
Scripture of Emphasis:
Ephesians 4:22-34 (NIV)
" You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
Thank You and God Bless!
Thank you for reading this blog. Your support and contribution is treasured here. Please continue to share this content so that God may work through us to be a benefit to others. I invite you to leave a comment and stay tuned in for the next blog. I pray that this blesses you and honor’s God. Let’s continue growing together as Kingdom Citizens in Christ. Show love, be kind, and trust in God. Thank you and God bless.
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