Our identity in Christ is something we need as believers to understand more fully. Often, in life we identify our selves with people, organizations, our occupation, or our nationality. If asked who we are, we may answer with our occupation, “I’m a teacher.” Or “I’m a lawyer.” Other’s may respond by identifying themselves by their problems, “I’m a diabetic.” Or “I’m divorced.”

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV) says, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”  As we realize that we are united with Christ, we begin to see ourselves in a new way; as God sees us.

The natural world and the enemy try to define us by making us focus on our weaknesses and insecurities. Thoughts like “You’re always messing things up – how can God love you?” or “You’ll never be as good as your brother.” Play like a broken record in our thoughts. If we don’t’ recognize the enemies lies and replace them with truth from God’s Word, we may believe his lies and even begin to say those things about ourselves.

It is important for us to purposely meditate on the good things from God’s Word. When we know what God says about us, it is easier to recognize the lies of the enemy and replace them with truth. For instance, if the enemy (or anyone else) tries to convince you that you’re unlovable, remind him and yourself what God says about you. “I am a child of God and I am fearfully and wonderfully made.  God loves me and cares about every detail of my life. Before I was ever born, He approved of me. He has a great plan for my life.” (See Psalm 139, Romans 8:38-39 and Jeremiah 1:5; 29:11).

Remember, God loves you, and desires for you to love yourself. He has a personal plan for your life that only you can fulfill. In Christ, may you have the confidence to walk boldly into your future, loving your life and the person, God created you to be.

Scriptures: Ephesians 2:4-7, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Romans 4:17, 2 Corinthians 5:18-20, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Philippians 3:20-21, Proverbs 18:21 (AMPC), Romans 12:1-2, 2 Corinthians 5:21, 

Verses: And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice- the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.   Romans 12:1-2

Questions:  In what ways has God been prompting you to change how you see yourself? Could you take a few minutes each day to reflect on and declare what God’s Word says you are in Christ? How could doing this impact your life and your attitude during the day?

Prayer:  Father, thank you for loving me and sending Jesus, so I could be a new creation in Him.  Help me to find time daily to spend in Your Word so that I can be encouraged and more fully recognize the lies of the enemy. Help me to be courageous to share Your love with others and to be a person of faith and love in whatever situations may come my way. You have provided so many blessings in Christ. Help me to not only experience Your blessings but share them generously with others. As I learn to see myself like You see me, help me to also see others in this light, so I can be effective in loving them as You love me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.