Blog

Mar 28, 2025 06:00am

Finding Your True Identity in Christ

117 Views

The move from 6th grade to 7th was a difficult one. You go from being the “top dogs” to being the “nobodies” just like that. 🫰

It’s a tough age for kids anyway, especially girls. It was the age when I tried to find my identity. Who was I going to be? I thought that meant fitting in with whatever group would accept me. There were several crowds at our school: the cowboys that hung out at the shop in the Agri building, the skaters that hung out by the old gas tank, the nerds that hung out in the library, the athletes that hung out in the gym, and the loners that seemed to drift from place to place. So, where did I fit?

I ventured through just about all the groups to see if that might be the place for me. I’d do my best to fit in, dressing like them, talking the way they did, doing the things they enjoyed. But it didn’t take long for me to realize it wasn’t really who I was and I’d go in search of another group.

Romans 12:2 KJV
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

Now, here it is in the NLT.
“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.”

I’ll be honest. It didn’t matter where I was, I never felt at home. I was an adult and still trying to find my identity. And it wasn’t until I fully surrendered to Christ that I learned the truth. The very truth that lies within this verse.

My identity isn’t found in this world. It is in Christ Jesus. I am a child of God. I am not supposed to try to fit in with what the world says is popular or right. How then can I know? By renewing my mind – with God’s Word. His Word is a lamp to light my path. He illuminated the way so I know where to walk. He instructs me in what is holy, pure, and acceptable to Him. He corrects me when I’m wrong. His Holy Spirit guides me in making decisions that reflect Christ in me and not the world.

I think we get it confused sometimes though. When we read this, we think we need to initiate the change within. I struggled with this throughout my early years. I kept thinking if I just try harder to change and be good, Jesus will be proud of me. And then I always failed. My friend Donny Parrish said it like this, “It’s not about doing more good, it’s about more good being done in you by the Holy Spirit.” That’s what it means to be transformed.

Are you searching for your identity? Are you looking for a place you belong? “Then let me tell you about my Jesus, and let my Jesus change your life.”

I’m here to help. Lifeword has created a resource to help you learn more about Jesus and what it means to follow Him. Through FOLLOW, you’ll see what it looks like to be transformed by Christ. Take the next step in discipleship. Go to follow.lifeword.org.