Where do you place your identity?

Recently, I was asked this question, and I was surprised by the word “place” in this context. I hadn't heard it used that way before. But on closer inspection, it’s actually a very fitting word for this context.

I “place” my identity. It takes its seat where I believe I’ve found my identity. So, where do you place your identity? expresses the question of where a person locates or bases their identity, and therefore, their sense of belonging.

When I recently stepped down from a significant role—a board position in a very large organization—because God asked me to, it was quite interesting because a small part of me was shouting, “But this is who you’ve been for the last 13 years. You can’t just give up that title.”

And how funny, I realized that my ego wasn’t so eager to let go of that position. Because, without consciously realizing it over the years, I had tied my identity to that position. I had placed my identity there, at least in part.

Where do you place your identity? In your job? Your relationship? Your money? Your fit body? Your reputation? Your house? Your success?

Can I offer you a piece of well-intentioned advice today?

Don’t place your identity in something that could be taken away from you. Place your identity in the One who wants to live within you!

Psalm 56:4 reveals where you should place your identity: “But I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?” (Psalm 56:4 NLT)

And Galatians continues: “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.” (Galatians 2:20 NLT)

For me, it’s the greatest gain—even if I outwardly lose something—to have the certainty that it doesn’t matter, because thanks to Jesus within me, I have everything I’ll ever need to walk securely through life.

And I pray that today you’ll also come to this realization and newly place your identity in Jesus within you—and nothing else!

You are a miracle!

Déborah