| Names matter. Perhaps not as much as they did in biblical times, but names are important. They are a reference to identity. The names we call ourselves reveal how we perceive ourselves. That’s why having the right self-perception can make all the difference in the world in the quality of our lives. |
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Before I knew Christ, I called myself by many WRONG names and adjectives: scaredy-cat, inadequate, weird, yo-yo, a nobody, unwanted, worthless, unloved–among many others. I was not living a full rich life. Even after I became part of God’s family, I still called myself with many of these incorrect labels. I still saw myself, as well as God and everything else, incorrectly.
My perception needed to change from a Wrong to a Right self-perception
And since God is the only One with perfect knowledge His viewpoint is the right viewpoint. Plus He is the only One who could truly help me to understand and accept this radically different way of looking at myself. Spiritual truths are spiritually discerned (1 Cor 2:14).
The Holy Spirit needed to help me understand and believe that I am a new person in Christ. I have a new identity!
This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!
(2 Cor5:17 NLT)
This is how God has drastically changed my name calling:
• Instead of scaredy-cat, I am confident in my God—changed from fearful to faithful.
• Instead of inadequate, I am sufficient in Christ. I am complete, not lacking anything, enabled to do all that He asks.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Phil 4:13, see also 2 Pet 1:3)
• Instead of weird, I am unique and created in His image for His special purpose—a masterpiece.
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
(Eph 2:10 NLT, see also Ps 139)
• Instead of feeling isolated and alone, I belong to God. No longer an orphan but a child of the King of kings—a princess.
• Instead of feeling unloved, I am loved with an everlasting love. His unfathomable love proven to me through the cross. I am His beloved, betrothed bride. (Jn 3:16, Rom 5:8, Jer 31:3, Hos 2:18-20)
• Instead of yo-yo, I am stable in Him, not tossed about by every circumstance; I have a firm foundation. (Eph 4:14, 2 Tim 2:19)
• Instead of a nobody I am a somebody in God’s eyes, precious in His sight; unworthy yes, but not worthless!
Although I still struggle in these areas, I have had significant victory in overcoming them through Christ.
How did I change my wrong perception into right perception? By…
1. Humbly allowing God to do His supernatural work in my heart and mind
2. Diligently searching and finding specific truths in God’s word that dealt with my issues.
3. Applying the truths that I learned.
4. Confessing, repenting and calling on God to help me when I failed. And accepting his forgiveness.
5. Realizing it is a process and that I must continue to apply the principles I have learned because my sinful nature is still present and I have the world and the evil one working against me.
What was my motivation?
Being fed up with continual defeat, and the growing love in my heart for my Savior.
I must tell you that I like my new self a lot more than my old one! I’m not where I want to be, but I am sure glad I am not where I used to be! An insecure, worthless human being—now child of the King of kings…
How about you, my friend? Are you tired of identifying yourself with wrong labels? Start applying these steps and you too will experience victory in Christ in an increasing manner.
Helpful Resources
How Do You Change Your Perspective?
101 Truths of Who You Are in Christ
Abbreviated List of Who We Are in Christ:
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(NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.