Who You Are Vs. What You Do: Finding Your True Identity in Christ

The world runs on never-ending scoreboards. From childhood report cards to performance reviews in the workplace, we’re constantly being ranked, measured and compared. Now, in the era of social media, the metrics of success are likes, shares and public recognition. This external validation can become so addictive, that you can easily start to believe that your value fluctuates with your performance/outcomes and what other people think about you.

For example, a promotion can make you feel worthy. On the other hand, a failed project can make you feel like you are a failure. What if you don’t get the promotion? What if you start a business and it fails? What if you fall into circumstances that limit your ability to perform at

your best? If we view our identity through the lens of external outcomes, we are surely building our lives on the shakiest foundations.

The Gospel declares that your worth and value, your identity, is inherent. 1 Peter 2:9 declares that “…you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light”. You are chosen by God, not because of anything you did, but because of everything Christ did on the Cross. When you truly grasp your identity in Christ, your motivations change. Instead of striving to prove your worth, you serve, work and create because you’re already worthy. Instead of pursuing excellence to earn love and approval, you work with the confidence of one who is already loved and approved. You desire to produce your best work because you are a daughter of the King. Colossians 3:23 says “whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters…”.

Your ultimate reward is from God, not human beings. You are a human being, not a “human doing”. You are God’s beloved child. Chosen. Redeemed. Eternally secure in His love. Your identity is not your achievements, and your worth is not your performance. In a world obsessed with external validation, may you find your identity in Him; as Acts 17:28 says “for in Him we live, move and have our being”.

Written by Kudzani Koketso