When What You Do Feels Like Who You Are
For years, my identity was tied up in what I did. If someone asked me to describe myself, I’d rattle off a list of all the roles I played—wife, mom, daughter, friend, volunteer—without even stopping to think about who I truly was. I believed I was only what I did or what others saw me as. But over time, God has gently and repeatedly shown me that my identity isn’t about what I do—it’s about who I belong to.
The Things That Try to Define Us
We live in a world that constantly tries to define us—telling us who we should be, what we should do, and how we should look. It can be easy to start letting these things become the lens through which we view ourselves. But here’s the truth: all these things are temporary. They shift, they change, and when they do, we can feel a little lost. But here’s the good news: what God says about us doesn’t change.
Let’s look at a few things that try to define us:
- Achievements: It’s so tempting to base our worth on the things we accomplish. We feel that high when we hit a milestone, but then that feeling fades, and we’re left chasing the next win.
What God says: “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works.” (Ephesians 2:10) We are loved and chosen by God—not by our accomplishments. - Past Mistakes: When we mess up, it’s easy to feel like we’ll never be “good enough” again. We think our mistakes define us, but failure isn’t the end of the story.
What God says: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17) You are made new in Christ. Your past doesn’t hold you back—God’s grace and forgiveness set you free. . - Other People’s Opinions: How often do we let others’ opinions shape who we are? It’s natural to care about what people think, but we need to remember that our identity comes from God, not from others.
What God says: “You are precious and honored in my sight, and I love you.” (Isaiah 43:4) You don’t have to prove yourself to anyone. God’s love for you is constant and unchanging. - Roles and Titles: Whether we’re a parent, spouse, employee, or volunteer, it’s easy to get wrapped up in our roles. But roles change, and sometimes unexpectedly. Our true identity isn’t found in what we do—it’s found in who we are in Christ.
What God says: “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession.” (1 Peter 2:9) Titles and different positions may come and go, but your identity as God’s beloved is forever.
What God Says About You (And Why It Matters)
When we let things like past mistakes, achievements, or roles define us, we’re building our identity on shaky ground. But God’s truth is unchanging. We need to allow His voice to be the loudest in our lives—not the voices of our past, our performance, or others’ expectations. When those voices get too loud, turn back to God’s Word and find the truth that speaks most to you:
- You are deeply loved (John 3:16)
- You are forgiven and set free (Colossians 1:13-14)
- You are created for a purpose (Jeremiah 29:11)
- You are a child of God (John 1:12)
What other Scripture helps remind you who you are in God’s eyes? (Write it down, memorize it, and let it shape your identity.)
Living in the Freedom of Who You Really Are
When your identity is rooted in Christ, the pressure is off. Jesus is enough—His sacrifice, His love, and His finished work on the cross are all we need. We don’t have to add anything to it.
Rest in this truth today: “I am fully known and fully loved by God, and that is all I need.”
