Identity Theft

Robbed, again. It happened unexpectedly, right in the middle of a casual conversation. As my friend glowing described her stellar parenting, her enviable marriage, and her invaluable contributions to society, I was robbed. Satan snuck in and stole the joy that comes from my identity in Christ. The devil is the ultimate identity thief and he comes “… only to steal and kill and destroy” John 10:10.

Who am I, really?

• I am God’s child – John 1:12


• I am Christ’s friend – John 15:15


• I am complete in Him – Colossians 2:10


• I am God’s masterpiece – Ephesians 2:10


• I am free from condemnation – Romans 8:1
  

I know my true identity and nothing can ever change who I am in Christ. But time and time again, I let Satan rob me of that precious awareness. The good news is this: we can fight identity theft with the three tools that God has given us: Recognizing the Lie, Renewing Our Minds, and Rehearsing the Truth.

Recognize the Lie – Satan joins the world’s chorus and says,

• You are what you do.


• You must meet certain standards to feel good about yourself.


• Those who fail are unworthy of love.


• You will never change.

His identity theft quickly leads to feelings of shame, hopelessness, and inferiority. Uncertain of who we are, we become paralyzed in what we do.

Renew Our Minds - God reminds us of the truth in II Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” I am not who I was. I am not what I do. I am God’s and I am loved.

Rehearse the Truth – When all the evidence seems to scream, “You are worthless. Your life serves no purpose. God has given up on you.” I need to recite the truth of my true identity again and again.

Rejoice. He has made you new. Be who you are.