Our Identity

Identity theft is a serious crime, in which someone commits fraud using somebody else's stolen personal information: name, address, date of birth, driver's license, social insurance number, or credit card information. It is a major problem, and it's happening more and more frequently.

There are constant warnings about being careful to whom we give our personal information, changing our passwords frequently, not clicking on links in emails unless we are certain who has sent them, protecting our credit cards when paying at the checkout, and so on.

However, a person's identity can also be lost through an identity crisis, which can sometimes happen when there's a major change in a person's long-term relationships, health, or employment. Here are some things that can be symptoms of an identity crisis:

• Having low self-esteem, questioning your value or worth
• Feeling lost or aimless, without a sense of purpose
• Changing yourself to suit any environment, situation, or relationship
• Feeling insecure, anxious, or dissatisfied with life
• Having trouble answering questions about yourself
• Not being able to trust that you can make good decisions.

There is one identity, however, that cannot be stolen, which permanently defines who we are, and that is our identity in Jesus Christ.

When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, each of us is given a new identity: each is now a child of God. The Bible tells us that we have become new persons, that we have been chosen and adopted into God's family, and that we belong to Him.

2 Corinthians 5:17 – When someone becomes a Christian, he becomes a brand new person inside. He is not the same anymore. A new life has begun! (TLB)

Galatians 2:20b – It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. (NKJV)

Before we were in Christ, we were destined to die. Now we are destined for an abundant, eternal life in Him. He promises us:

John 10:10b – I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. (NKJV)

The more that we get to know Jesus by reading His Word and spending time with Him in daily prayer, the more that we will understand our identity in Him and know that we are of immeasurable worth to God. Having support from family members, friends, and our church community can help us to cope with big changes or stressful situations in our lives. Don't be afraid to reach out. And remember: God is only a prayer away!

Prayer: Loving heavenly Father, we thank You that You can make us into new creations and that we can know who we are in Jesus Christ. Make us aware of Your great love for each one of us, and help us to see ourselves as You see us. Grant us the grace to fulfill Your purpose for our lives. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

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