In Isaiah 43:1, we are told God has called us by name. Our names are an important part of our identity. They carry value, weight, meaning and ownership. Yet, so often we live below our potential because we haven’t truly grasped or understood the identity we have through Christ.

Take some time to read through these verses and recognise not just WHO you are but WHOSE you are:

• John 1:12 – Children of God
• Romans 6:6 – No longer slaves to sin
• Genesis 1:27 – Made in his image
• 1 Peter 2:9 – God’s special possession
• Psalm 139:14 – Fearfully and wonderfully made
• 2 Corinthians 5:17 – A new creation/made new
• Ephesians 1:3 – Blessed with every spiritual blessing
• Ephesians 1:4 – Chosen, holy, blameless
• Ephesians 1:5 – Adopted
• Ephesians 1:6 – Redeemed, forgiven, lavished with grace

David Benner suggests, “an identity grounded in God would mean that when we think of who we are, the first thing that would come to mind is our status as someone who is deeply loved by God.” Often, however, a gap exists between intellectually knowing these truths about who God says we are and living them out. Often, a false belief has wedged itself between how God defines us and seeing ourselves in the same light. When we don’t fully know these truths in our heart, we live out an identity based upon our own actions, how others perceive us or what others have told us. In this way, we allow life experiences and the world to define us rather than the one who created us.

But when we are in Christ (John 15:4), these aspects of our identity can never be altered by what we do. When we know who we , we are freed to live unashamed (Matthew 5:14-15) and unafraid (Joshua 1:5-6). We can begin to live confidently instead of changing who we are based on the opinions of others, our professional success, how we see ourselves, and all the other ways we define our significance. It gives us the opportunity to experience God’s unconditional love in new and fresh ways and it allows us to confidently and boldly share His love with others.

God says our names are written in the palm of his hands (Isaiah 49:16). YOUR name is etched into the skin of the Creator of the universe.

So, ask yourself today… how would believing the truth about your new identity in Christ change the way you live?

Listen to ‘Who You Say I Am (Hillsong) here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKw6uqtGFfo

Listen to You Say (Lauren Daigle) here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZvKJl1kK8g

Listen to No Longer Slaves (Bethel Music) here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8TkUMJtK5k