"Understanding our identity in Christ is crucial, as it shapes our sense of purpose. When we recognize who we truly are, our life's mission becomes evident."

One day, I received a text from my bank inquiring, "Are you currently in Texas? Did you dine at Texas Roadhouse?" Someone in Texas had made purchases under my name, impersonating me, W. F. Houston, Jr. While this was distressing, an even more severe form of identity theft exists—one that affects our souls and destinies, leading us to believe we are less than what God intended.

Embracing our identity in Christ helps clarify our purpose. If we are unaware of our true selves, we cannot fully understand our calling. By recognizing our identity, our life's mission becomes evident. In 1 Peter 2, we learn about our identity as followers of Jesus: "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light" (v. 9). This identity supersedes all others.

The Apostle Peter tells us, "You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood." In the Old Testament, priests were descendants of Aaron, but the New Testament reveals the priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:5). As such, we can minister to others, pray for them, and study and teach God's Word.

We are also "a holy nation." The term holy signifies our dedication to God, as we are called out from the world. Our holiness does not stem from our own perfection, but from the cleansing and sanctification provided by Christ's blood. He claims us as His own (Rom. 1:7).

Furthermore, we are God's special possession. Imagine a museum displaying a seemingly ordinary hat, prompting visitors to question its significance. The hat is extraordinary because it once belonged to Charlie Chaplin. Similarly, we may appear ordinary, but our true value comes from belonging to God, purchased with the blood of His Son (Acts 20:28).

So, what is your identity? God desires that you recognize who you are. Only by knowing your true self can you understand how to live. In Christ, you discover purpose. You are not rejected but chosen; not insignificant but a royal priesthood; not unwanted but God's treasured possession, set apart for His divine plan.