Rooted in God: The Unshakable ID

Rooted in God: Embracing an Unshakeable Identity

In a world where we're often defined by what we have, it’s easy to lose sight of where our true worth comes from. Society tells us that we are what we achieve, what we own, or how we feel. But let me share something deeper and more profound. Long before Descartes said, "I think, therefore I am," the Bible was already declaring that we are known, valued, and loved by God. You were in His thoughts before you even had a thought of your own. You exist because He first thought of you.

Scripture affirms this truth. Psalm 139:16 says, "Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." This means that before you took your first breath, God knows your life with intention and care. Our worth isn't something we earn or acquire; it's been given to us from the beginning by the One who created us.

However, we often struggle with doubt, falling prey to society’s lies that tell us our worth comes from our status, our paycheck, or even the roles we fill. But the Bible reminds us that this is a false foundation. Colossians 3:2-3 says, "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God." Our identity is not rooted in the fleeting things of this world, but in Christ, where it is secure and eternal.

Here are some the common lies society tells us and the truth to combat it:

· You are what you do – Your worth is tied to your job, career, or accomplishments. Truth: Your worth is in Christ, not your works—you must work to provide for your family, but it is not an idol to God. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

· You are what you earn – Your value depends on your income or material wealth. Truth: True value comes from God, not material wealth only. “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” (Mark 8:36)

· You are what you have – Possessions and luxury goods define your success and importance. Truth: Life does not consist in the abundance of possessions “Then he said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.’” (Luke 12:15)

· You are what others think of you – Your identity is based on other people’s approval and opinions. Truth: You are approved by God, not by people “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:10)

· You are your roles – Being a parent, spouse, or any other role is the ultimate measure of your worth. Truth: Your identity is found in being God’s child “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12)

· You are what you feel – Your emotions and circumstances define who you are. Truth: Your emotions do not define you; God’s truth does “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9)

· Happiness can be bought – Material goods and wealth will bring lasting happiness and fulfillment. Truth: Lasting joy is found in God, not material things “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” (Matthew 6:19-20)

This knowledge sets us free to live differently. When we know that our identity comes from God, we no longer need to chase after worldly symbols of success. But when we don't grasp this truth, we often seek fulfillment in material goods—things that promise happiness but never deliver. Ecclesiastes 5:10 warns us of this: "Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless." The pursuit of wealth and luxury, far from satisfying, leaves us feeling empty and continually wanting more.

We see this all around us. People rush to buy the latest luxury items, hoping to find their worth in the name of a designer stamped on their clothing or accessories. But Jesus reminds us in Luke 12:15, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” Our identity isn’t found in what we own. No matter how much we accumulate, it can’t define who we are.

Luxury goods, while beautiful and enticing, offer only a fleeting sense of happiness. Proverbs 23:4-5 tells us, “Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.” Material wealth is temporary, and basing our self-worth on it leaves us chasing after something that will never last. The things of this world may promise security or joy, but they can be taken away in an instant.

Contrast this with the identity we have in Christ—one that cannot be shaken or lost. Isaiah 43:1 declares, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” God Himself has called us by name. We belong to Him, and His name is far greater than any luxury brand we could ever wear. We already carry the name of the ultimate Designer.

When we live from this place of truth, we no longer need to find validation in material things. Jesus said in Matthew 6:19-20, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” True treasure isn’t found in things that fade away, but in our relationship with God and the eternal rewards He promises.

So, the next time you find yourself doubting your worth or chasing after things that seem to offer happiness, remember this: God knew you before you were born, and He has called you by name. You are His masterpiece, created for a purpose. As Ephesians 2:10 reminds us, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Our identity and purpose come from Him—not from the things we own.

There is no greater identity than being a child of God. Rest in the assurance that you are loved, valued, and known by your Creator. You don’t need the approval of the world or the fleeting happiness of luxury goods. You already carry the name of the One who loves you beyond measure. When we live from this place of security, we can let go of the world's false promises and embrace the fullness of life that God offers us.