It’s a great day for Bible study! We are on week four of Believing God by Beth Moore and our knowledge of God is increasing week by week. In our small group discussions, we learn the differences between the Biblical and worldview identities. Come join us for the Believing God Week 4 Online Bible Study.

According to the Bible, you are blessed, chosen, adopted, favored, redeemed, and forgiven. If you are Christian and accept Jesus as your Savior, then you have your identity in the family of God. And so you are carrying Good Fruit. Are you choosing to believe what God says about who you are? What “mirror” are you looking at to determine your value if not?

When children are growing up they look to parents, siblings, and teachers to tell them who they are. These authority figures have great influence over developing mindsets. Children mirror themselves with these authorities, and also with the opinions of their peers. When we become young adults, we mirror and measure ourselves after our education, professors, relationships, and careers.

We seek identity labels telling us we are successful, valued, and important in the worldview. But these mirrors lack the Truth of who we are in Christ. And as we know, mirrors can be distorted and change the view of who God says we are.

Looking at the Hebrews 11 Hall of Faith, ordinary people such as Noah, Abraham, and Moses were able to accomplish extraordinary things. They found great discernment from the Holy Spirit and did not seek the approval of man. They had a plan from God and even when they recognized their human limitations, God instructed them to go forth.  Because they were great listeners and sought discernment, they accomplished the extraordinary.

These Hall of Famers did not want to risk losing their intimate relationship with God. And so they obeyed His directions. God spoke directly to all of them and knew their hearts. When God calls you for a task what is your initial response? Are you measuring the size of the task from your eyes, or His?

Does having a biblical identity help you or hinder you? It’s important to see yourself through the lens of God and not the world. Let God examine your heart, mind, and soul. Allow Him to access to cut away bitter roots and deliver you from past identities. He will not abandon you, reject you, or stop loving you. No matter how far you have fallen, He loves every child that He created. That includes you.

Imagine that Jesus put a logo on your clothing. Would you act differently if people saw “designed by God” on your blouse? If we walked into the cancer treatment center, wearing our God identity, the experience would be different. We’d walk with courage, confidence, and the armor of God. If we walk into our jobs, we may hide Jesus in our hearts because religion is not tolerated where we work. In most neighborhoods, people know who the Christians are and seek them out for prayer in crisis. As we judge ourselves, we become critical of our words and actions. We mirror and measure against the Word of God. As imperfect humans, we will encounter opportunities for conviction and self-correction. We do this because we love God.

Knowing you are who God says you are…why do you struggle when people judge or criticize you? Is their opinion of you more valuable than God’s? When people judge you, remember these are opinions. Sometimes these opinions will help you draw closer to God and correct a regrettable behavior. Other times these opinions are meanspirited and rooted in the devilish schemes of satan. Allow yourself to be judged and stand in your identity with Christ.

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Christine Abraham writes for the Bible Cafe™ community. Learn about living by the Fruit of the Spirit as you enjoy her online Bible studies. Join Christine at the Bible Cafe™ University for weekly Bible teaching.