Finding Your True Identity in a "Picture Perfect" World
We all do it. As I scrolled through my own New Year's photo collage recently, I caught myself carefully curating the highlights of 2024 - the smiling faces, the perfect golf shots, the celebrations. But what about those moments that didn't make the cut? The struggles, disappointments, and times when life felt overwhelming?
In our social media-driven world, we're constantly crafting an identity we want others to see. We chase likes, shares, and the approval of others. But Peter's first letter, in the New Testament, reminds us of a profound truth: In Jesus, we're called to something different. Not just different for the sake of being different, but different because of who we are in Christ.
Peter writes to believers as "chosen foreigners" - like ambassadors representing a greater kingdom. Just as ambassadors operate under diplomatic immunity while being held to an even higher standard, we're called to live by kingdom values even when they run counter to the culture around us.
Our true identity isn't found in what we do, where we're from, or what others think of us. Instead, it's grounded in three unshakeable truths:
1. We are chosen by God the Father - not as a backup plan, but before we even knew we needed Him
2. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit - being transformed daily into Christ's image
3. We are cleansed and forgiven by Jesus - no longer defined by our past
Consider Eric Liddell, who gave up potential Olympic glory in his strongest event because it conflicted with his convictions about honoring the Sabbath. The world called him
foolish, but his identity was so firmly rooted in Christ that he could stand firm. He went on to win gold in an unexpected event, but more importantly, he lived a life of profound impact as a missionary in China.
So here's my challenge to you this week:
- Evaluate: What truly shapes your identity? When criticism comes or life gets hard, where do you turn first?
- Engage: Take one concrete step to live out your identity in Christ. Have that difficult conversation. Serve someone who can't repay you. Stand for truth even when it costs something.
- Endure: When the pressure to conform intensifies, remember that you're representing a greater kingdom.
In a world obsessed with crafting the perfect image, we're called to live differently - not because it's trendy, but because it's who we truly are in Christ. Your identity isn't something you have to create; it's something you've already been given.
In Jesus, different isn't just encouraged, it's expected. And when we grasp this truth, we're free to live authentically, purposefully, and eternally.
What step will you take today to live out your true identity in Christ?
Keep looking up,
Pastor Alan Hannah
Pastor Alan Hannah is the lead pastor of Allegheny Center Alliance Church. To find out more about ACAC, go here.
