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We all want to know our value. The question, “Who am I?” confronts us all and the answer affects how we live life. But, here’s the problem. There are a lot of different ideas out there as to how we should define ourselves.

We all want to know our value. The question, “Who am I?” confronts us all and the answer affects how we live life. But, here’s the problem. There are a lot of different ideas out there as to how we should define ourselves.

Our Culture Says Our Identity Is Defined by What We Do

It’s all about our accomplishments or what we do for a living. Though it’s true that those things play a role in shaping our identity, focusing only on those things can be destructive. It leads to:

  • The comparison game. In order to see our value, we compare ourselves to those around us. This either leads to pride, thinking we are so much better than everyone. Or it can have the opposite effect and make us feel like a failure because we aren’t measuring up.
  • Become a conformist. Because we don’t really know what defines us, we allow everyone else tell us what we are and what we’re worth. We let the standards and expectations of the world shape who we are.

[Related Topic: The 4 Identity Myths]

But there is another way to answer the question of “Who am I?” It’s not based on the world’s opinion. It’s based on God’s opinion.

The Bible Says God Gives Us Value

When we put our trust in Jesus, we are new creations. We are no longer defined by our failures or even our accomplishments. Our value comes from Christ living in us, leading us to live for him and not ourselves.

Galatians 2:20 My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

2 Corinthians 5:17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

Knowing Who We Are in Christ Leads to Confidence and Contentment

When we understand that our value and identity comes from Christ, we will interact with our world in a different way. We won’t have to play the comparison game that leads to pride or insecurity. We can be confident in who God has made us to be and content with the plans he has for us.

Think about the people in your life: your kids, friends, and family. They are struggling to answer the same questions about their identity. Share the truth of Jesus with them. Model for them a life of contentment that is rooted in the truth that we are defined by Christ and what he’s done for us and in us.

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Key Points:

  • Our culture says our identity is defined by what we do.
  • The Bible says God gives us value.
  • Knowing who we are in Christ leads to confidence and contentment.

Quote This:

Galatians 2:20 My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

See Also: Hope, Identity

Talk About It
  1. What is your initial reaction to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. How have you fallen victim to the comparison game in your life? How has that affected you?
  3. Make a list of things the world says should give us value or define who we are. According to that list, how have you done?
  4. What are some other pitfalls to defining yourself only by the external things?
  5. Read Galatians 2:20. Identify everything this verse says about Christ and us. What does this verse say about our value?
  6. Why can seeing our value in Christ make us more confident?
  7. Read Philippians 4:11-13. Define contentment. What does contentment look like?
  8. How will your life change if you let Christ define you above anything else?
  9. How can you be more of an example to others in your life regarding this topic?
  10. Share any insights from your homework this week.
  11. Write a personal action step based on this conversation.

This is part of the Hope for the Generations series.

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