Misplaced Identity

by Lexi Morris

“As he thinketh in his heart, so is he.” — Proverbs 23:7

If there’s one thing I wish I could consistently pour into my students, it would be a true understanding of their identity.

At such a young age, I see so many girls quietly wrestling with who they are—trying to figure out where they belong and what they’re worth. Some strive to reach the bar of perfection because if they don’t, they’ll deem themselves a failure. Others obsess over their appearance, believing that if they don’t look their best, they’ll never measure up. And some reach for attention and approval, all in hopes of feeling seen and loved.

While my heart aches for my students, I know that many of us struggle to find our true identity. Even in my twenties, I’ve found myself wondering, “Who am I, really?”

Ask yourself—at the deepest part of your soul, what do you allow to define you?

If we’re honest, the enemy can paint a pretty convincing picture when we give him room to. Maybe you’ve experienced the absence of a parent, and somewhere along the way, convinced yourself that you were unlovable. The pressure to perform leaves you stretched thin, so you label yourself a failure. The pain of your past has taken up permanent residence in your mind, so you label yourself as unworthy. Whatever the label may be, if it is not rooted in the character of Christ, it is a misplaced identity.

Coming to terms with a misplaced identity isn’t easy—it takes time, effort, and surrender. Recently, I realized that I had been allowing the enemy to trample over my mind because of one situation that was completely out of my control. Before I knew it, I wasn’t just struggling with a misplaced identity—I was also wrestling with a distorted view of Christ’s love.

Allow yourself grace. Take out your journal, look long and honestly in the mirror, and do some soul-searching. Who does the enemy say that I am? Who does God say that I am? The two will never be in agreement. Whatever lie the enemy has whispered into your heart, I can promise you that there is truth to silence it.

Lie: I am unloved

Truth: “I have loved thee with an everlasting love.” — Jeremiah 31:3

Lie: I am alone

Truth: “And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee; he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.” — Deuteronomy 31:8

Lie: I am unseen

Truth: “Thou God seest me.” — Genesis 16:13

So when the enemy tries to label you with lies, remember who you are—adored and accepted by Christ.