One of the many pitfalls I had as a baby Christian was the issue of identity. I struggled so much with identifying and accepting who God has made me. Being a highly intelligent child with multiple giftings and graces was too much for my young heart to understand. Also, coming from a background where humility was the watchword and where women were to remain silent on Kingdom matters, I understood wrongly. In a bid not to be seen or perceived as proud and arrogant, I hid my gifts and ignored my purpose, thereby denying my identity.
The Merriam Webster dictionary defines identity as a distinguishing character or personality of an individual. I define identity as an IMAGE, TRADEMARK, OR LIKENESS. It is the uniqueness or idiosyncrasy that sets one apart. Any reputable organization that has survived the shift in the economy, demand, clientele, and has stood firmly can only be traced to the image they have built and maintained over the years.
When God made man in Genesis 1:26, He put His IMAGE (signature) on him. This means that any fault in the said man will automatically mean an error from the manufacturer, a misuse of the product, or an ignorance of the manual of operation. Your identity determines your function, capacity, endpoint just as the input determines the output.
Take, for instance, a mobile phone cannot perform the same function as a bicycle or a car. Neither can it cook meals. This is because its components and makeup were wired distinctly for the purpose of communication by the manufacturer.
Knowing who we are and what our makeup is, is the first step in gaining understanding, which can lead to either greatness or failure as the case may be. Failure because when the purpose of a thing is not known, then abuse is inevitable. Greatness because when the purpose is known, understood, and deployed, it produces tremendous positive outcomes.
Understanding one’s identity is the standpoint of our authority in Christ. The first attack on any believer is on his identity. In Matthew 4:3, Jesus was able to overcome because His identity was not in doubt to Him. Genesis 3:1 is an adumbration of Matthew 4:3. The devil has used this scheme severally and still does. Once there’s a word from God concerning a man, that becomes the devil’s point of call. He comes stealthily like he did to Eve, to make you question or doubt your convictions.
“Did God really say you are an Apostle to the nations? How come even till now you have not crossed your local border?”
“Did God really say you are a mother of nations? Then how come, after twenty years of marriage and almost at the stage of menopause, there is still no sign?”
“Did God really say He loves you? Do you really believe it? How can you believe it when you have not even seen Him for once, and situations are always turning against you? Think again!”
Endlessly and tirelessly, the devil seeks any opportunity to sow seeds of doubt and unbelief in us, removing our gazes from the blessings embedded in our yielding and vulnerability to God’s purpose for us. The evidence of our identity in Christ is exercised when we love like God (John 3:16).
HOW TO KNOW AND MAINTAIN OUR IDENTITY IN CHRIST
Acknowledging that God is your source (Hebrews 11:6).
Having a deep and sincere relationship with God.
Constant exposure to your manufacturer (God) for checkups, maintenance, and alignment. This is achieved through studying the word of God, prayer and supplication, worship, praise, and holy living.
An intense unquenchable hunger for God and His purpose.
A genuine decision and commitment to His course.
Love for God and one another (John 13:34-35).
Heeding the great commission, which is to spread Christ to all nations (Matthew 28:19-20).
BENEFITS OF OUR IDENTITY IN CHRIST
We can exercise our authority in Christ when we know our identity.
Maximum protection from the wiles of the enemy.
Freedom from fear and failure.
Freedom from condemnation and damnation.
Purposeful living.
Abundant life.
Fullness and oneness with Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18).
Spiritual stability and enlightenment (Ephesians 1:18).
CONSEQUENCES OF IGNORING ONE’S IDENTITY
We give the devil an advantage over us when we ignore our identity (2 Corinthians 2:11, Ephesians 2:12).
Living in misery and penury.
Living a meaningless and dishonorable life (Psalm 14:1, 53:1).
Spiritual stuntedness/death.
Fear and dread of tomorrow (2 Timothy 1:7).
REASONS WE IGNORE OUR IDENTITY IN CHRIST
Fear (Hebrews 2:15).
Through our tendencies and appetites (James 4:1).
Ignorance (Ephesians 6:12).
Spiritual blindness (2 Corinthians 4:3-4).
Consequently, rejecting or denying our identity in Christ leads to eternal death (Hebrews 10:26-31).
DECLARATIONS
Romans 8:14-17, 29
I am a son of God!
I am led by the Spirit of God!
I reign on the earth as a priest and king to God!
I am a peculiar person, a royal priesthood!
I am a royal diadem!
I am a crown of glory!
I am the bride of Christ!
I am bought and redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ!
I have the seal of the Holy Ghost!
I am seated with Christ in heavenly places far above principalities and power!
I am the light of the world!
I am the salt of the earth!
I have authority over demons (Luke 9:1, 10:19, Matthew 10:1)!
I am a witness unto Christ (Acts 1:8, 26:18)!
I am the express IMAGE of God!
Hallelujah!
Written By Sis. Abby Ndubueze (Team Watchmen)