There’s been a lot of talk about identity.

Your identity: the physical traits and beliefs that define you.

Sadly, many believers forget that they belong to God. We forget the power and authority that have been afforded us by Christ’s death and resurrection. If you’re struggling to hold onto and walk in your identity in Christ Jesus, there’s nothing wrong with you. It’s likely you’ve shifted your gaze to the world for too long and you need to shift it back to Jesus.

The world LOVES to taint our thinking and then rip apart our identity as children of God. It LOVES to say that we must be IDENTICAL to the world, or you will be ALONE. We have all heard that lie, in some way; it’s not new.

If you are questioning how you should act or think or look, it’s time to remember the TRUTH about your identity. You were MADE in the IMAGE of GOD, BOUGHT at a price, MADE NEW, and CHOSEN to be SET APART for God’s purposes.

John recorded one of Jesus’ prayers, both about His disciples, and about us, too. Jesus prayed to His Father, “I am not asking you to take them out of the world. But I am asking that you keep them safe from the Evil One,” (John 17:15 ICB). Jesus went on to say, “I gave them your word; The godless world hated them because of it, Because they didn’t join the world’s ways, Just as I didn’t join the world’s ways…They are no more defined by the world Than I am defined by the world. Make them holy—consecrated—with the truth; Your word is consecrating truth,” (John 17:14-18 MSG).

They are no more defined by the world than I am defined by the world.

The world HATES it when we don’t join in. It’s hard to feel like the only one NOT gossiping, or the only one NOT cussing or putting down your spouse. It’s hard to feel like the only one NOT listening to “that” music or watching “that” show. Notice I said that it’s hard to “feel like the only one.” I specifically didn’t say that it’s hard to “be” the only one… because while you may be the only one in that room, you aren’t the only one. But it is hard to remember that. It’s hard for kids. It’s hard for adults.

It’s hard. If it were easy, everyone would do it.

The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don’t fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. The way to life—to God!—is vigorous and requires total attention. ~ Matthew 7:13-14 MSG

So, it’s been a hard day. Maybe you’re feeling a little lost and your identity doesn’t feel firmly intact. Maybe, instead of longing to be with the Lord, you’ve longed to “fit in” with the world. Maybe you’re feeling overwhelmed because you stared longer at your circumstances, instead of focusing on your Father who loves you. But because you’ve realized that you need Him – that you were made to be not identical to the world, but set apart from it – you’ve cried out to the Lord. Now hear what He has to say to you:

My Child, I am more than able to help you, for the whole world is Mine and all that is in it.

Not only am I able to help you, but I am willing! Just come and sit here and talk with Me.

(Ephesians 3:20; Psalm 50:12; Mark 1:41; Hebrews 4:16)