In my early years was a pastor in Canada I found that my church role was becoming my source of identity. Although being a pastor is a noble ministry, it should not be our essential identity.

We live in a way that corresponds with our perceived identity…for better or worse. However, even when our identity is positive, if it is based on our circumstances and performance it will be an insecure identity. The Christian life should be lived as “being in order to do.” In other words, our ministry should flow from our grace-based identity. Note the order in Ephesians 2:10 (Amplified translation):

“For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us].”

Steve Prokopchak has written a helpful book on this subject: Identity: The Distinctiveness of You.

“…Everyone is searching for security, significance, and identity—it’s a human quest. We gravitate toward finding security and identity in our job, education, relationships, money, talents, or things. These may all miss the mark about who we are created to be. They provide meaning to life but are shortsighted in defining our true identity.

“You will find a clear process of discovering your destiny through discovering your identity. You will also read about the trap of emotional dependency, the prison of self, sexual brokenness, healing damaged identity, and building identity in the heart of a child.”

This helpful book is available in print and audio formats. store.dcfi.org/product/identity-the-distinctiveness-of-you/

Consider doing a study of Ephesians chapters 1-3 and list the many encouraging terms that describe our identity in Christ— an identity that is based on our new spiritual birth.

J.B.W.

Here is a video of Steve Prokopchak teaching on this theme.