A New Identity
Biblically, any “identity crisis,” as it may be termed, is answered and remedied by a proper understanding of the believer’s new identity in Jesus Christ. In other words, we must have a biblically accurate “self-image.” As we grow through the seasons of life we must view ourselves accurately, as God views us in Christ, in order to have “sound judgment,” as the apostle terms it. “For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith” (Romans 12:3). Though born totally depraved sinners who are innately rebellious against God, and His delegated authority structures, believers have been redeemed in Jesus Christ. Now our identity is forever connected to Him. We are the objects of His love and grace. We are precious to Him.
Therefore, we must encourage one another with this truth: we have been created in the image of God and are being re-created into the image of Christ (Genesis 1:27; Colossians 3:10). This is where our value and identity reside. We are chosen in Him, the beloved of God, and accepted by God in Christ (Colossians 3:12; Ephesians 1:6). We are adopted by the Father and precious in His sight (Romans 8:15; Ephesians 1:5). This is just a small sampling of the riches that belong to us in Christ and make up the substance of our new identity. As we grow in our understanding of who we are before God we need the continual recognition of this new identity. Through the various “stages” of maturity, we are challenged to fix our eyes on Jesus (Colossians 3:1; Hebrews 12:2) so that we may grow “in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ” (Ephesians 4:15). There is a healthy sense of inadequacy that keeps the believer dependent on Christ rather than self (2 Corinthians 3:5). This inadequacy should not be feared, but should drive us to the Lord in prayerful dependency upon His sustaining grace each and every day.
