Who Am I?

by Patricia Broyles

I loved growing up in Brazil where everybody has a name but no one calls you by your name. Brazilians love giving nicknames to people which are usually based on their name and/or appearance. I grew up having several nicknames given to me by my friends, and also “giving” them nicknames. In

my teen years and young adult life those nicknames changed based more towards what I did or was capable of. Many times it would be based on my faith or with who I spent time with in college, other times it was based on how fast I was able to finish my work and present it to my boss. It also rolled into who my parents were. Those became my “ID’s”. Now at this point of my life people look at me as an American, as a mom, as missionary wife.

Many are the identities that we receive throughout our life and yes it’s part of life. “She is a nurse” , “He is a preacher”, “she is a hard working lady”, “he is so smart”, “she is Benjamin’s daughter”, “He is the owner”, but if we have our identity settled in Christ it doesn’t matter what your past was, or what you do now or even your dreams for the future. Those are not who you are if you are a born again Christian. All of those things will pass. Your family can have a great last name, you can be a great leader, maybe a well known person or an outstanding mother, you can have a blooming ministry, you can be a great business man, but those still should not define your identity. Your and my identity in Christ is what defines us and what gives us hope.

Who people say we are doesn’t change who we are in Christ - which is what matters the most.

Who Am I in Christ?

• I’m a child of God (John 1:12/ I John 3:1)

• I’m the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21)

• I’m a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17)

• I’m Christ’s friend (John 15:15)

• I’m set free (John 8:36)

• I’m justified (Romans 5:1)

• I’m valuable (Genesis 1:26-27, 31) (Ephesians 2:10)

• I'm redeemed (1 Peter 1:18-19) (Galatians 3:13-14)

• I’m His ambassador (2 Corinthians 5:20)

• I’m loved (Romans 5:8) (John 3:16)

• I’m a citizen of heaven (Philippians 3:20)

• I’m God’s masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10) (Psalms 139:14)

• I’m forgiven (Ephesians 1:7)

• I’m blessed (Galatians 3:9)

• I’m more then conquerer  (Romans 8:37)

• I’m victorious (I Corinthians 15:57)

• I’m never forsaken (Hebrews 13:5-6)

• I’m an heir of heaven (1 Peter 1:4)

• I'm an important part of His body  (I Corinthians 12:14-25)

• I’m secure (Psalm 91:1-2) (John 10:28-30)

• I’m His temple (1 Corinthians 3:16-17)

• I’m strengthened by Him (Isaiah 41:10)

• I’m reconciled (2 Corinthians 5:18-19)

How others see us is not the main point, but what we really are in Christ is, because what matters the most is how Christ sees us.

When we recognize who we are in Christ and believe it, it will change the way we live. Not in fear but in freedom. Not in shame but in boldness. Not in secret but shining His light. Not in despair but in hope!

So embrace your identity in Christ!