Your Identity and Self-Worth

Have you ever hurt someone without realizing it? Anytime you criticize, insult, or demean someone—unintentionally or otherwise—it is rooted in your own insecurities. Our sinful nature convinces our subconscious that if we can make someone else be perceived as smaller, we will be perceived as more significant. It is imperative that we recognize unhealthy behaviors and understand the deep needs that must be filled for every child of God.

Insecurities and unfulfillment are rooted in a lack of identity. When we find our true identity, we will find true contentment and security in who we are. This is exactly how Paul can say what he does in Philippians 4:11-13!

Paul learned the power of tying his identity to the will of God for his life. He discovered the tremendous truth that he was not called to be anyone but Paul from Tarsus. He was not called to be Peter, Barnabas, or Apollos. Paul understood that despite what he was going through or where he was, the most incredible place of fulfillment and joy was found in accepting God’s personal call for his life. That is why he could proclaim boldly what he did in Galatians 1:10.

A key element of Paul’s identity in Christ was his recognition that he needed God’s amazing grace and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. We see this through his first letter to Timothy. In 1 Timothy 1:15-16, he calls himself one of the worst sinners of all! He recognizes his dark past, his need for forgiveness, and the testimony God is making out of his life. Yet, he does not let his past weigh him down. Instead, he uses it to propel him toward God's purpose for his life.

God knew every detail of Paul’s sin and all the Christians he killed while he was still Saul. God still forgave Him. Has the enemy made you doubt the amazing grace and forgiveness of God? What is your identity tied to? Do you find your self-worth in the approval of those around you or through God? These questions are integral to knowing who we truly are in Christ and living accordingly.