What Is Your Identity?
by Annette Riggall

How do you answer that question? You will probably say "I’m English!" or "I’m Irish!". Others may answer "I was born in South Africa so I’m South African. That’s my identity." But still others might say "Well, I was born in Africa but I hold a British Passport so I’m British".

But the question about your identity can reach much deeper because deep down inside every one of us is the knowledge of our true identity. If we were born into a deprived uneducated family, we may spend our lives trying to shake off that memory while trying to create a new identity. Perhaps you are a self-made man. You’ve amassed a small fortune and you have respect and influence in the community. But do you still have that insecurity hidden deep inside you of your deprived start in life? Have you tried to bury that memory all your life What about those who have always lived the good life? You were born into a privileged life and you’ve always expected others to show you the admiration and submission you feel you are due? Is your identity in your birthright and wealth? Do you ever question whether all the friends that surround you are true friends or do they gather about you for what they can get. Show me your documentation

In every person born into this earth there is a desire to be accepted unconditionally. We all desire to be loved and appreciated, we are constantly trying to win the approval and favour of others. We try to create an identity that will make the right impression in our community. Some may believe they have succeeded but others are always striving yet never managing to escape from their view of themselves as failures in society. There are ways to cover this but the nagging feeling of failure persists. Is there a way to be completely comfortable in your own identity? A way to live your life with peace in your heart, a peace that is always within you in spite of your weaknesses and failures. Is there a way to be so secure in your own identity that you never have to prove yourself to anyone?

When we turn to God who is our Creator, He will show us His plan and purpose for our lives. He has created each of us as unique individuals with gifts and talents for a specific purpose on this earth. He knows exactly how you began this life, whether you were born to alcoholic parents who never cared for you, whether you were born with a silver spoon in your mouth, whether you were born into abject poverty. Psalm 139 says "O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me…..you know my every thought….You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord…….You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book……Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts…."

Do you want to know your true identity? When you make a decision to return to God through Christ (John 14:6) you will become a child of God. He will become your Father. As you find your place in the family of God, His peace will fill your heart and a joy you have never experienced will well up in you. Our identity is in Him, we belong to Him.

Annette Riggall

The Evangelical Christian Fellowship
‘an oasis where the Word of God is preached and the love of God is shared.”
Sundays 4.30pm Iglesia San Miguel, Calahonda
Tel/Fax (0034) 952 930 275 E-mail: tecfellowship@gmail.com
Website: www.calahondachurch.com
Pastors Peter and Annette Riggall