False Identities of Self

This week podcast is titled the false identities of self. As followers of Christ there will come a point where the identity of you-that was built over your lifetime will have to be reconstructed. This is not a pain-free process, but it is one that will bring greater purpose, freedom, and meaning into your life. We will discuss the important role identity plays in this life, how false identities are formed in our lives, and how to break free from the false identities of self. In addition you will hear how to reconstruct your identity, find your essence, and carry out the plan God has for your life. 

Transcript

THE FALSE IDENTIIES OF SELF

 Thanks for joining me for this week podcast titled the false identities of self. As followers of Christ there will come a point where the identity of you-that was built over your lifetime before and even after coming to Jesus will have to be reconstructed. This is not a pain-free process, but it is one that will bring greater purpose, freedom, and meaning into your life. We will discuss the important role identity plays in this life, how false identities are formed in our lives, and how to break free from the false identities of self. In addition you will hear how to reconstruct your identity, find your essence, and carry out the plan God has for your life. Okay Lets get to it……

1. Identity plays a major role in the way all of us show up in this life. The systems of this world have formulated a game plan for us to show the world everything but our real self. We are educated by a world that places little value in the meaningful elements of being human let alone a follower of Christ. Instead, we are programmed to chase and build false identities in hopes of being accepted. Have you heard any of these statements before? Dress for success, fake it until you make it, and there’s many more. These are not just catchy cute slogans. They are false identity building statements; this is just one example of how the world indoctrinates us with strategies and philosophies on how and why to live with false identities. I want to encourage you today to begin to redefine YOUR life based on scripture and not the ideologies of this world.  

 2. Unfortunately, these false identities we build around our true selves become a driving force within our lives. Some people try to hide from it, others claim they are defining themselves on our own terms, as though this world has not influenced their identity placement. Most of us fall victim to unknowingly hide behind layers of identities formed over years of living this life. Identity impersonation is woven into the fabric of our lost world. In all reality, the culture we live in has poisoned all of us to the core with a powerful force that shapes how we identify with ourselves and the world around us. These false identities can ultimately lead to broken lives, discontent, depression and even suicide. I encourage you ask the lord to help you find the real you hidden in Christ.  

 3. The world we live in has been building false identity traps for centuries. It is a cunning plan framed around having us build our identities around various titles or positions and this is where I run into controversy. These titles in and of themselves are not bad and here’s are few of them “employee”, “parent”, “student”, “teacher” “wife” ‘boss” etc. now there’s nothing wrong with serving in any of those capacities. In fact, all of them can bring blessings into our lives. The issue becomes when we allow any one of those roles to be the entirety of our identity.  I don’t believe your only purpose in this life is to be either one of those because God has called all of us to be and do more. You are more than a mother, student, employee or religious leader. We as followers of Christ need to identify as servants of the most high and aggressively pursue that.

 4. Too many people around the world have their identities wrapped up in money, power, looks, possessions etc. The list is endless. Think about this, Satan is called the god of this world and in Genesis 3:1 we are told he is more cunning than any creature God made, and John 8:44 tells us there is no truth in him, for he is a liar and the father of lies. Now put these together and we have the most deceptive, evil creature, working with full control over lost humanity. You and I were created in the image of God so this evil being, and his demonic following has nothing but hate for all of us. They are on a nonstop mission to separate us from our identity in Christ. 

 5. Satan and his demonic subjects within this world are trying to convince us of who we are. Why would he do this? If the powers of darkness can get you distracted chasing an illusion of identity you will neglect or just give up pursuing your identity found in God through Christ. The entire system we live in is structured around deception by distraction. The demonic structure within the Matrix we live in has been programmed to indoctrinate us with false identities as soon as we come into this world.  Do not forget there is a web of complex institutionalized deception. This is coming through various forms of media, corporate, political and religious education. Bombarding us with messaging to ensure we build false identities around this material world. Life in this lost world is centered around temporary things and many of us have our identities tied closely to them.  Remember to real intent is cause identity confusion and keep us separated from God.

 REPROGRAMING TO FIND OUR TRUE IDENTITY

 6. Remember Christ asked the disciples who do men say that I am. Jesus primary intent was to affirm his identity with the disciples however it is not hard to believe that the humanity within Christ wanted to know what others thought of him. That’s why I do not believe those who say they don’t care what other people think about them. Identity matters, who and what we identify with also matters. To find our true identity-which is hidden in Christ, is how we experience contentment, peace, and a sense of fulfillment. This means we need to follow the road map and methodologies God has given us through his word.

 7. It’s an ongoing battle to pull back the layers of deceptions and false identities buried into our lives. When I went through this process it required me to take periodic check points and question my thought process. Constantly questioning why I wanted a particular thing or outcome and what does it mean to me. I encourage you to begin taking the same action. Doing this will expose the selfish ambition and the will of the carnal nature which is against the things of God. I can say this from experience. Breaking free from our false identities is no easy task. It’s like peeling layers of an onion which formed over many years. It may take many days of prayers, tears, and moments of isolation with Christ, but it will be worth it as you begin to experience a new level of freedom.

 8. The world may be applauding your current identity while you struggle inside with negative emotions and thoughts about yourself. You may have a good-looking identity to those around you but the distance you feel from the Lord is growing day by day. In fact, your prayers may seem as though they are falling into a deep hole. It’s like God is simply not involved in your life. You may experience worldly or material success but also have a growing sense that something is just not right. If you find many of your prayers and purposes are limited to the things and activities of this life and this temporary experience. It is time for change. My prayer is that you will escape from the false identities of this life and allow the Holy Spirit to show the world the real you. That is hidden in Christ. 

 9. There was a period in my life where I had obtained more things than I ever dreamed of, yet the sense of incompleteness was overwhelming. Through prayer, reading scripture, many tears and help from the Holy Spirit I was able to realize I was deceived. Bamboozled, and tricked into believing that certain things, environments or titles would make me successful. On top of that I was convinced it caused others to identify me as special or successful. It took time and a battle to move past all of that to realize there was a lot more to my life than what I was identifying with. I now realize the only people who Identified me as successful or winning at life drank the same Kool-Aid I did. I begin to believe and identify with that false narrative. Now I know my life is found in Christ and I am much better off. Now it is you time to find security and joy in being who called you to be.

 I want to share three scriptures which can serve as the foundation to forming your Christian identity and faith. It is essential to embrace these concepts and apply them into  your life so you to can start unlocking your true identity and you we are in Christ. 

Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” This verse reminds us that as believers in Christ, we are not only saved by grace but also created for a purpose. God’s purpose for us is where we find our true identity and deeper meaning for this life.

Romans 8:37  Identifies us As “more than conquerors through him who loved us.” we are not just ordinary citizens we are conquerors, in fact we are more than conquerors through Christ We do not have be defined our circumstances good or bad ones. Begin to embrace what is to be more than a conquer. Rise up and be the better you, the more compassionate, powerful you.

Galatians 2:20 which states “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” This passage illustrates how we connect with our true selves through the transformative nature of being in Christ. Our old self-centered desires and ambitions are crucified, and we begin to live and identify with a new life guided by faith in Jesus. Colossians 3:3 Reiterates this point telling us “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.

We have a beautiful opportunity to live rich and fulfilling lives, but this only exist in Christ. I encourage to call on him now while he may be found. God bless you and I hope this podcast has been a blessing to your life.