“Who are you?”

It’s a simple question that can stop us in our tracks. Whether it’s Simba asking Rafiki in The Lion King or our own hearts wrestling with this fundamental question, the search for identity is universal.

The Big Questions We All Face

Throughout life, we revisit three essential questions that shape our existence:

  • Who am I? (Identity)
  • Why am I here? (Purpose)
  • Where do I fit? (Belonging)

These questions aren’t just for teenagers or young adults. Life changes, seasons shift, and who you were as a high school student isn’t necessarily who you are as a parent, professional, or retiree. If we don’t answer these questions for ourselves, the world will try to answer them for us—and we’ll end up drifting through life.

Jesus’ Foundation for Identity

When asked about the most important commandment, Jesus responded with what should be our starting point:

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is: Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12:29-31)

Notice the holistic approach—heart, soul, mind, and strength. You can’t compartmentalize your identity. You’re the same person whether you’re at work, church, or with friends. This consistency comes from knowing who you are at your core.

Within this framework:

  • Who am I? I belong to God and am a complete person
  • What’s my purpose? To love God, others, and myself
  • Where do I belong? In a community built on mutual love

The Five Lies We Believe About Identity

Author Henri Nouwen identifies the false identities we often embrace:

  1. I am what I have – Defining ourselves by possessions, power, and portfolios
  2. I am what I do – Finding identity in work, success, and achievements
  3. I am what others say about me – Letting others’ opinions shape our self-worth
  4. I am nothing more than my worst moment – Carrying shame from past failures
  5. I am nothing less than my best moment – Riding the high of achievements and accolades

These lies morph into destructive patterns: materialism, workaholism, people-pleasing, shame, and pride. They’re all external factors over which we have limited control, leaving us vulnerable and fragmented.

The Truth That Changes Everything

Jesus came to shatter these false identities. At His baptism, we see the template for our own identity:

“You are my beloved Son. With you I am well pleased.” (Mark 1:11)

Why did Jesus need to hear this? For the same reason we all do. We need to know we’re loved, valued, and accepted—not because of what we do, but because of whose we are.

The Power of Names and New Identity

Throughout Scripture, God changes names to reflect new identities:

  • Abram (exalted father) → Abraham (father of multitudes)
  • Jacob (deceiver) → Israel (one who wrestles with God)
  • Simon (he has heard) → Peter (rock)
  • Saul (desired) → Paul (small and humble)

What names are you carrying? What labels define you?

The “And Yet” Passages

Scripture is filled with beautiful contrasts that show God’s transforming power:

Psalm 8: “What is a human being that you remember him?” And yet God crowns us with honor and glory.

Romans 5: We were helpless, ungodly, sinners, enemies… And yet Christ died for us at just the right time.

1 Peter 2: Once you were in darkness, not a people, without mercy… And yet God brought you into His marvelous light as His family.

Notice the pattern: It’s not about what we do—it’s about what God does. He reaches into our mess and pulls us into new life.

Your New Identity Declaration

Jesus says to each of us: “I no longer call you _______, but now I call you _______.” (John 15:15)

How would you fill in those blanks?

  • I no longer call you broken, but whole
  • I no longer call you worthless, but valuable
  • I no longer call you a failure, but beloved
  • I no longer call you slave, but friend

The Ultimate Truth

In 1 John 3:1, we find this amazing declaration: “See what great love the Father has given us, that we should be called God’s children—and that’s what we are!”

Period. Full stop.

The world will try to tell you otherwise. Past mistakes might whisper lies. But your identity isn’t based on performance—it’s based on God’s love.

As Henri Nouwen beautifully puts it: “Our belovedness is eternal. God says to us, ‘I love you with an everlasting love.’ This love was there before our parents loved us, and it will be there long after our friends have cared for us.”

Living From Your True Identity

When you know you’re God’s beloved child, everything changes:

  • You approach work differently
  • You interact with family and friends from a place of security
  • You carry yourself as a citizen of heaven living on earth
  • You’re the same authentic person regardless of your circumstances

Your identity matters. Who you are, how God sees you, how He believes in you—it all matters.

The Invitation

So who are you today? You are God’s beloved child. You are chosen, valued, and deeply loved—not because of what you’ve done, but because of whose you are.

Why not embrace that love now? Why wait to receive the identity God freely offers?

You are beloved. You are His. And with you, He is well pleased.

What labels are you ready to release? What new identity is God calling you to embrace? Remember: you are not what the world makes you—you are a child of God.

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