(While cleaning out a drawer, I came across some notes that I wrote a few years ago. Many of the words were crossed out and rewritten, but I will try to decipher the scribbling and express what I was trying to convey at the time.)
I am so grateful that 25 years ago, I was attending a church where my identity in Christ was taught with clarity. It set me free from a lifetime of a performance mentality and I have clung to this truth through many challenges since then. Until recently, I sincerely thought that I comprehended the fact that my true worth is found in Christ alone.
Many times we look to our own achievements for self-worth. When our children make wise decisions, we feel like we must be a successful parent. If we get a promotion at work, we know that we're doing a good job and it boosts our self-esteem. When someone pays us a compliment, we might bask in the glow of our appearance or accomplishments. Many things can bring us a fleeting sense of self-worth, but our identity in Christ is the only foundation that won't crumble with adversity. One of my former pastors, John Glenn, used to say that we all think, "I will be worthy IF ______ (you fill in the blank), but the truth is that we ARE worthy because of the finished work of Christ."
Recently, something at the core of my being was called into question. Not just an accomplishment, but something that I believed defined who I am. And there's the rub. If I truly believe that my identity in Christ is where I find my security, then how can anything else take precedence over that? My insecurities were in a tailspin as I grappled with my true identity.
The only place to go when doubts plague your mind is to God's Word. Jesus Himself said, "The truth will set you free." (John 8:32) If we saturate our minds with scripture, it will help us put things into perspective, knowing that, "The Word of our God stands forever." (Isaiah 40:8) Lord, help me "treasure Your Word in my heart, that I may not sin against You." (Psalm 119:11)
I love the candidness of the Psalmist when he laments, "How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul, with sorrow in my heart everyday?" But a few verses after his expression of hopelessness, he reminds us that in spite of our circumstances, we can trust in God's unfailing love. "I will rejoice because You have rescued me, I will sing to the Lord because He is good to me." (Psalm 13:2 and 5-6)
Zig Ziglar said that "repetition is the mother of learning." I must intentionally and continually remind myself that I need to "fix my eyes on Him, the author and perfector of faith." (Hebrews 12:2) I am grateful to God for His promise to "transform me into a new person by changing the way I think." (Romans 12:2) No matter what you're going through, I pray that God will transform your thinking and remind you of the freedom that comes when we remember who we are in Christ.
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