I believe one of the biggest struggles we face as human beings is finding our identity in something. Many of us find our identity in our work. Such as, I am a doctor, or a lawyer, or a teacher. Others find their identity in pop culture by emulating what they see on television and hear in the music they listen to. And still others of us base our identity in our religion. I am a youth leader, or a preacher, or I am an elder.

Having these positions in life is great and we are called to do the work the Lord has provided for us. But my question I ask myself is, “do I identify myself in my work or in Christ?” I find it difficult sometimes to be free from identifying myself with the things of the world. I want to be know for something and I often strive to have acceptance from people I encounter. I am pretty certain that I am not alone in this on either… I was reading through some of my past writings this morning and I encountered this list that I wrote to keep me focused on who I am in Christ. I compiled it over a year ago and wanted to read it once a week so I could remember and memorize the scriptures that would take me back to identifying myself with Him rather than the things of the world.

Well, the reading the list once a week thing faded off and today I am compelled to re-read it again and look closely at each scripture. Not just browse over it as a nice list, but to meditate on the verses and pray for God to reveal himself through me to others. With the culture pressing on us to “be like Mike” and to wear this or that to be beautiful and handsome, I am reminded of who I am in Christ. Being grounded in Christ, we can resist the temptation to get caught up in the next fad that comes our way. He will never change. When we find our identity in Him we will always be satisfied in who we are.

• I am a child of God. (John 1:12)
• I have been made complete in Christ. (Colossians 2:10)
• I am saved by grace through faith. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
• God sacrificed his one and only Son for me. (John 3:16)
• I am a new creation in Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
• The Holy Spirit dwells in me. (1 Corinthians 3:16)
• I am completely forgiven. (Colossians 1:14)
• I am tenderly loved by God. (Jeremiah 31:3)
• I am a branch on Christ’s vine. (John 15:1,5)
• I am united to the Lord, one spirit with Him. (1 Corinthians 6:17)
• I am chosen by God, holy and dearly loved. (Colossians 3:12)
• I have been adopted as God’s child. (Ephesians 1:5)
• I am free from any condemning charges against me. (Romans 8:31f)
• I cannot be separated from the love of God. (Romans 8:35f)
• I am a member of a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession and created to sing His praises. (1 Peter 2:9-10)
• I am born of God, and the evil one cannot touch me. (1 John 5:18)
• I have the mind of Christ. (1 Corinthians 2:16)
• I may approach God with boldness, freedom, and confidence. (Ephesians 3:12)
• I have been rescued from Satan’s domain and transferred into the kingdom of Christ. (Colossians 1:13)
• I have been given great and precious promises by God. (2 Peter 1:4)
• My needs are met by God. (Philippians 4:19)
• I have been bought with a price, and I belong to God. (1 Corinthians 6:19,20)
• I can do all things through Christ, who gives me the strength I need. (Philippians 4:13)