Understanding My Identity

Author: Raquel Griffiths, RN, MPH, DHSc(c) (First United Church of Jesus Christ, Brooklyn, New York)

Ask yourself – Who or what do I identify as? Many things can come to mind at the mention of the word “identity”. Identity is described as the ¹ condition of being oneself or itself, and not another, ² condition or character as to who a person or what a thing is; the qualities, beliefs, etc. We all have different attributes, values, and gifts, and we should cherish those differences. They make us unique and bring about diversity. Diversity has always been in the plan of God.

Diversity

To answer the question at the beginning, we must understand how God sees us. Personally, my primary identity is a CHILD OF GOD (1 Peter 2:9). After that, I identify as a jovial, intelligent, honest, loving, reserved, wife, daughter, sister, friend, nurse/public health clinician or practitioner, singer, haircare guru, youth leader, Jamerican, germophobe, heterosexual female, with a vast perfume collection. When I was younger, I used to watch a show on PBS Kids called Barney. One of my favorite songs on Barney was “You are Special”. A portion of the song says, “You are special. Yes, you really are. You’re the only one like you. There isn’t a person in the whole wide world who can do the things you do…” I never truly understood the song until I became a little older. For example, I used to ask my parents why the song would say this when other people can sing and draw. My dad’s response was simply, “Yes, but no one can do it the way you do. That’s what makes you special.” Those words have carried me through all social activities, school, the work force, and church. I can admire some and even want to be like them; however, God made me special. Elisha admired Elijah, but he could never be Elijah. We all have people who train or mentor us in some way, but remember to be YOU, and not a clone. We should always strive for masteries but do it in the way God has for you. If God placed the desire in you to be a carpenter, but everyone is telling you to be a surgeon, please be a carpenter. Prestige means nothing without the true desire and calling to do so (Proverbs 18:16).  

Self-esteem

Self-esteem is a part of identity as well. God loves you as you are and has a purpose and plan for you (Jeremiah 29:11). The expected end is peace and power on earth, and eternal life with Him. Do we view ourselves the way God does? Are we trying to be like someone else because we don’t truly value ourselves or view others to be better? Let’s remember that God created us, and He has never made a mistake, and never will (Psalm 139:14). This means that you can love yourself. James 1:17 encourages us that “every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” God hasn’t changed His mind about you, and neither should you.

God’s Diversity Plan

We all have our own paths to take because we each have an individual identity. Twins don’t even have the same fingerprint. The chances are that it’s not that you don’t know who you are, but rather that you want to be someone or something else. Remember, diversity is of God! I’m not referring to the distorted or perverted diversity that the world tries to feed us. I am talking about the genuine diversity that allows us to not be robots and not be boring. Godly diversity brings us change, innovative ideas, excitement, excellence, and flavor. Every gift, talent, attribute, value, or profession may not be listed in the Word, but I guarantee you that it will bring God glory. How do I know that? Philippians 2:13 teaches us “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” God placed the desire in you to bring Him glory.

The last aspect of identity that I want to highlight is that our contents (character) must match what we profess (who we say we are). As Apostolics, we believe 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Anything outside of the Word of God should NOT be a part of our identity; it’s rebellion. By coming to Christ, our minds are renewed and transformed, we begin to exhibit the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), and ultimately, our lives are no longer the same (Romans 12:1-2). We’re not perfect, and we make mistakes. Yet, a renewed mind helps us to make better decisions, have better relationships, get back on track, become better people, and not want to do the things that displease God because we love him (1 John 2:1).

As citizens of this planet, we abide by the laws of the land; but, more importantly, as citizens of Heaven we abide by the laws of God (1 Corinthians 7:23). We strive to give God the glory and represent His Kingdom properly, by being who He created us to be, even when society says otherwise (Matthew 5:16). We can live our lives trusting and obeying God because His promises are sure. We should aim to look appealing, gain degrees, gain property, travel, be entertained, and achieve any other goal that we set for ourselves. However, if what we have is a distraction, our identity is for ourselves and not to impact the Kingdom. Our true identity is in God and for His Glory!