In my last post, I explored the idea that identity is something that is bestowed upon us, not something that is earned. But, how do we know what it is? How do we come to know what is true about our identity?

Look at Peter. In John 1, Jesus renames Simon, son of John, and for the rest of his life (and throughout the rest of history), what name was he known by? Peter… not Simon. Why? The simple and profound answer is… because Jesus said so.

Peter’s renaming is a great example of how identity works in our lives as well. Jesus looks at you and me, in view of all of our weakness and failures, and He calls us something new.

We don’t always feel like our new identity is accurate, and we don’t always act like it is accurate… but it is. No matter what. And the reason why is that when Jesus gives someone a new identity, it is not merely an outward act. It is a powerful, inner transformation that changes everything.

The most important question when it comes to identity is ‘what does God say about you?’

Not how you feel, not what you do, not what circumstances you find yourself in. The most true thing about your identity is what God says. So, while it is true that I am a father, husband, conference director at Pine Cove, etc. Biblically, the most true thing about me lies outside of those descriptions.

I’ve been studying through Ephesians 1:3-14 with some of my staff this summer. It has been such a sweet time. This is arguably the richest passage in the Bible regarding the blessings we have through salvation in Jesus. According to Eph. 1:3-14, if you are “in Christ”, then you are…

• Given every spiritual blessing (v.3)
• Chosen before the foundation of the world (v.4)
• Predestined for adoption as sons/daughters (v.5)
• Redeemed (v.7)
• Forgiven (v.7)
• Having obtained an inheritance (v.11)
• Sealed with the Holy Spirit (v.13)

…That is what God says about you! That defines who you are.

What does it look like for you to believe what God says about you, and then live out of who you are?