I have always been intrigued by these two words. These two words declare something. They make a statement about a person’s being. These two words truly have the power of life or death to a person’s soul.
True identity is being attacked right now. Everyone is trying to tell you who you are, how you should feel and how you should act.
We all have to decide how we are going to finish this statement: “I am __________________.”
Identity is one topic that we constantly discuss in our home. I want my children to leave my home confident in who God created them to be. I also wanted them to firmly believe that only God has the right to name them. Their Creator is the only one who knew what He was doing when He made them. Only He can speak true identity and purpose into their heart and soul. It is only when they believe and live in their God-given identity that they will find joy and rest.
Confident in Your Identity
This past weekend was the Homecoming Dance for my girls. They had a wonderful weekend with friends – eating, laughing and dancing the night away. It did my heart good to watch my daughters flourish! One thing that especially blessed my heart was watching Rebekah. You see, dress shopping has become more and more difficult as the girls have gotten older. It is hard to find a dress that is cute, current and also covers appropriately.
As we tried on a variety of dresses, Rebekah tried on one that was so cute, and so “her”. The only problem was that it was a casual dress. Everyone else was planning to wear fancier dresses and cute heels, but this dress would go better with cowboy boots. She had a decision to make: keep looking for a dress that fit in with the current trend, or choose this one. She picked the dress that was true to her personality and her style. She liked it and felt pretty in it, and that was enough! I watched her confidently take pictures with her friends, knowing that hers didn’t go with the others. At the end of the night she made a comment that her dress was definitely more casual than the others, but she was still glad she chose it.
To me this was a sign that she is learning how to be confident in who God created her to be. She is comfortable in her own skin and is willing to be herself, even when it means she looks different from those around her. I don’t know if I would have been so comfortable to do that when I was her age!
From the Very Beginning
I think it is interesting that the very first statement God made about us was to declare our identity. In Genesis 1:26-27 God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground. So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female He created them.”
The very first “I am” statements we can stand on:
I am created in the image of God.
I am male, or I am female.
Because we are created in the image of God we are like Him. We have in us all of His character traits!
Find “I am” statements:
I encourage you to sit down with your children and help them learn about their true identity. Go through the Bible to find more “I am” statements that you and your kids can confidently stand on.
For example look at Ephesians 1:3-8. Ask your kids, “What I am statements can you make?”
Some answers:
I am blessed! (1:3)
I am united with Christ! (1:3)
I am loved by God! (1:4)
I am chosen by God through Christ! (1:4)
I am holy and without fault! (1:4)
I am chosen and adopted into the family of God. (1:5)
I am God’s delight! (1:5)
I am free! (1:7)
I am forgiven! (1:7)
I am wise and have understanding! (1:8)
After that, here are some other scriptures that you can do together:
Ephesians 2
Romans 3:21-28
Romans 5:1-11
Romans 6:1-17
John 10:1-30
Psalm 139:13-18
Ask God
Identity isn’t something that we seek after or strive to become. It is who we are created to be. Allow God to speak to your identity over you. I encourage you to spend time with God. Ask Him these questions and write down His answers.
- God, who do you say that I am?
- What character traits do you see in me?
- What gifts, talents and abilities are unique to me?
- What lie about my identity have I been believing?
- What truth do you want to say to me concerning that lie?
After spending time with the Lord, write your identity statements and post them in a place where you will see them often! Declare these statements over yourself and believe that they are true!
You say I am worthy. Therefore I am worthy!
You say I am loved. Therefore I am loved!
You say I am __________ therefore I am ______________!
Rock Solid
Let’s take time to walk our kids through these truths: Our identity is solid, because our identity is found in God! If you want your kids to be confident and strong, then helping them establish their identity is the first step.
Songs and Resources:
Truths for Life – Our Purposeful Life
Identity Archives – Our Purposeful Life
You Say by Lauren Daigle
Tell Me by Carrollton
