What does it mean to find our identity in Christ?

It’s safe to say that everyone desires a life filled with meaningful purpose, a clear sense of perspective, and real peace of mind.

I believe these characteristics can only be achieved and experienced if we choose to accept that every human being has been created in the image of God. Here’s what Genesis 1:27 says:

“So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”

It’s imperative to see ourselves accurately and truthfully, the way God sees each and every one of us. We are all born with value and purpose … but because He created us with free will, it’s up to us to choose to put our faith and trust in God as our Savior.

Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:16-17, “So from now on we regard no one from a human point of view [according to worldly standards and values]. Though we have known Christ from a human point of view, now we no longer know Him in this way. Therefore if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Savior], he is a new creature [reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit]; the old things [the previous moral and spiritual condition] have passed away. Behold, new things have come [because spiritual awakening brings a new life].

For Christians, having our identity in Christ means that we find our sense of self-worth, purpose, and value in Jesus. This means that our identity is not defined by our accomplishments, status, possessions, acclaim, popularity, or any other external factors … but only by our position as beloved children of God. John 1:10-12 says this about Jesus:

“He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.

How about you? Do you recognize Jesus as the Lord and Savior of your life? Or, like His own people … have you rejected Him and His free offer to pay for the price of your sins?