We’ve all had moments where we felt like we were stuck in a box, right? You know, those times when it seems like everyone’s already decided who you are and what you’re capable of. Maybe you’re the “funny one” who’s never taken seriously, or the “responsible one” who always has to have it together. It’s like having a sticky note slapped on your forehead that says, “This is who you are, and don’t you dare try to change it!”
This past weekend, Simon Obert’s message, “Identity Matters,” showed us how to break out of those boxes. He reminded us that our identity is not defined by people’s expectations or opinions, but by God’s unchanging love. And while people might try to confine us with their labels, God’s grace calls us to live beyond them.
One of the scriptures Simon shared really hit home for me: Romans 8:16-17, “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ.” That means we’re not just random people trying to make it through life. We’re part of God’s family, with all the rights and privileges that come with being His kids. Pretty amazing, right?
Simon’s own experience with trying to change his name from Simon to Alex in junior high was a perfect example. He thought a new name would give him a new identity, but it only made things more confusing. Changing what’s on the surface doesn’t change what’s underneath. You can call a fish a bird, but it’s still not going to fly! The same goes for us—we can try to redefine ourselves by what we do or what others say, but unless we understand who we are in Christ, we’ll always feel out of place.
Think about the labels you’ve worn over the years. Maybe you’ve been called “not smart enough,” “too emotional,” or even “just plain weird.” Maybe you’ve tried to live up to the label of “success” or “perfection” and found it exhausting. Whatever the case, it’s time to let those labels go. You are not who people say you are; you are who God says you are.
There’s a funny thing that happens when we start living out our true identity in Christ. People begin to see something different in us—not because we’re trying to impress them, but because we’re being our authentic selves. It’s like the difference between eating a cardboard cutout of a pizza (gross!) and eating the real thing. When you’re real, people notice. And that’s when you can really make an impact.
Take a moment and ask yourself: What labels have you been trying to live up to—or live down? Are they helping you grow closer to God, or are they holding you back from His best for you? If they’re not from Him, it’s time to tear them off and let God write His truth on your heart.
Closing Prayer: Lord, I’ve been wearing some labels that don’t belong to me. Help me to see myself as You see me, and to live out my true identity as Your child. Show me how to break free from the boxes I’ve been put in and to walk in the freedom You’ve given me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
You are not what others say. You are not your past. You are a child of God, fearfully and wonderfully made. Live like it—boldly and without apology!
Call to Action: Consider sharing this devotional with someone who might need encouragement today. Check out the podcast replay of this message on your favorite podcast platform. Search for “CITCBA Insights” today. You can listen at churchinthecity.org/podcasts. And if you’re in the area, join us at Church in the City for one of our services. Our Saturday service at 10 a.m. has a Messianic theme, and our Sunday contemporary service starts at 10:45 a.m. Church in the City began as an outreach in the early 80s and became a church in 1991, dedicated to reflecting Christ in our community and the world.