“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him.” 1 John 3:1 (NIV)

Identity and destiny go hand in hand. Once identity is found destiny is aligned. We can’t step into destiny without understanding our identity. Our identity is all about understanding who God says I am! As such, we need to guard our identity in Christ. The enemy focuses much energy to steal identities. Just like having your identity stolen in the credit world is a real problem and pain, it is even worse with your identity in Christ. Without understanding our identity in Christ, we are tethered to the ground. But we are supposed to be seated with Christ in the heavenly realm (Ephesians 2:6).

There are many “I am in Christ” passages throughout the New Testament. It would be good to simply read over these regularly and proclaim them out loud as truth in your life. Here are just a few…

I am a blood bought child of God (Galatians 3:13-14). I am a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). I am Jesus’ bride. I am dearly beloved (Colossians 3:12). I am called and chosen. I am of royal blood. I am a citizen of heaven (1 Peter 2:9). I am part of the Body of Christ. I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 2:6). I am more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37). I belong to God (Romans 1:6)!

I am set free (Galatians 5:1). I am no longer a slave nor under the law of sin and death, but I am of the Spirit and life (Romans 8:2). I am forgiven of all my sin and healed of all my diseases (Psalm 103:2)! I am set apart for God’s holy work (Colossians 3:12-17). I am secure and nothing can snatch me from the Father’s hand (John 10:27-29). I am never alone or abandoned (Matthew 28:20, Joshua 1:5, Hebrews 13:5). I am filled and empowered by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:17-21).

I am who He says I am! I am not who the world, the devil or anybody else says I am. I am just the way I am supposed to be. I am greatly gifted. I am completely forgiven. I am a saint. I am holy. I am here for His purpose. My life matters and with God’s help I will fulfill my destiny in Him!

Don’t accept the identity report from anyone or anything except God and His word! Ask Him to show you every place that is defining you that is not of Him! Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you and clarify your identity in Christ. Ask Him to grant you the boldness to live just as He made you to live, without fear, anxiety, depression and confusion. Ask Him to show you how to live as a child of the King! Pray for those in your church, starting with your pastor, to be freed to be who God says they are.