By Kelly Carr

Who are you?

How would others describe you—what image do you depict to the world?

What’s truly on the inside?

Maybe those answers line up or maybe they don’t. Some of us project confidence, as if we’ve got life under control, when really we’re swirling with unease within. Others put on a tough exterior for protection, hiding the vulnerability we feel. Still others smile sweetly, though grumbling gnaws on the interior. We might have a work personality, a church personality, and a home personality that are all slightly different.

Who we are falls somewhere in between.

Paul said, “I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22). That’s quite the ministry to balance. We might feel that tug and pull to be many things to many people.

Yet Paul remained steadfast in his identity, often introducing himself as “Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus” (Romans 1:1). That said it all. Building upon the secure foundation of being Jesus’ servant, Paul was then able to be all those other things.

Upon what do we base our identity? It’s tempting to make it all about our roles, our relationships, or our accomplishments because that’s what we can see. But those change like shifting shadows (James 1:17).

God remains.

If we begin with our identity as children of God—created and loved by him—and as servants of Christ—ready to show his love to the world—then the rest falls nicely in place.

Let’s be honest—I’ve said a lot of nice-sounding words here, but trust me, I know it’s not easy. As one who feels insecure and unsure on more days than not, I need this reminder of my true identity—often! Maybe you do too. Let’s make a pact: let’s all get into the habit of reminding one another as well as ourselves who we truly are.

That can make all the difference.