DAY 8 — Identity in Christ and Rejecting the Lies of the Past
- Lamar Newby
- Jan 14
- 3 min read
When I first encountered the truth of my identity in Christ, it felt like a heavy weight lifted from my shoulders. For years, I had carried labels that others placed on me—failure, disappointment, broken. These words shaped how I saw myself and how I lived. But the moment I embraced who God says I am, everything changed. I want to share this with you because identity shapes everything: how we think, walk, speak, fight, and lead.
Understanding Our True Identity
The Bible tells us in 1 Peter 2:9 that we are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people. This is not just a nice phrase; it is a powerful declaration of who we are in God’s eyes. When I first read this, I realized I was not defined by my past mistakes or the harsh words spoken over me. Instead, I am called to proclaim the praises of God who brought me out of darkness into His marvelous light.
This truth is echoed in 2 Corinthians 5:17: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” This means my past failures, regrets, and the lies I believed no longer have power over me. I am reborn, not just patched up or improved, but completely new.
The Lies We Carry and How They Hold Us Back
Many men carry identities handed down by others—teachers, parents, past relationships, or even their own mistakes. I remember hearing from a teacher that I was a failure, and those words echoed in my mind for years. A parent’s disappointment felt like a chain around my heart. Past relationships whispered that I wasn’t enough. These lies shaped my actions and limited my potential.
But the truth is clear: You are not who the world named you—you are who God called you to be. When I gave my life to Jesus, my old identity was crucified with Him. That means:
My past cannot disqualify my future
My failures cannot erase my calling
My history cannot limit my destiny
This truth gave me freedom. I stopped trying to prove the world wrong and started living out who God said I am.
Living Out Our New Identity
Galatians 2:20 became a personal anthem for me: “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” This reminds me that my strength does not come from myself but from Christ living inside me. This changes how I face challenges, how I treat others, and how I lead my life.
Knowing who I am in Christ shapes my discipline, purpose, and spiritual strength. I walk differently now—head up, shoulders back, heart steady, spirit anchored. This is not about pride but about standing firm in the truth of God’s love and calling.
Rejecting the lies of the past means actively choosing to believe God’s word over the negative voices. It means praying daily for God to strip away every false identity and every label placed on me. I encourage you to do the same:
Prayer:
Lord, teach me to see myself through Your eyes and not the eyes of my past. Strip away every false identity, every lie, and every label placed on me.
Practical Steps to Embrace Your Identity in Christ
Here are some practical ways I learned to live out my new identity:
Daily Scripture Reading: Focus on verses that affirm your identity in Christ. Write them down and meditate on them.
Speak Truth Over Yourself: Replace negative self-talk with God’s promises. For example, say, “I am chosen,” “I am loved,” “I am a new creation.”
Surround Yourself with Support: Find friends or mentors who encourage your spiritual growth and remind you of your true identity.
Reflect on Your Journey: Keep a journal of how God is changing you. Celebrate victories, no matter how small.
Pray for Strength: Ask God to help you reject lies and walk confidently in who He made you to be.
Walking Forward with Confidence
Your identity in Christ is the foundation for everything you do. When you know who you are, you can face life’s challenges with courage and hope. You don’t have to carry the weight of past mistakes or the labels others placed on you. You are a new creation, chosen and loved by God.
Today, choose to reject every lie that tried to name you. Stand in your God-given identity like armor. Hold your head high—royalty does not walk like a prisoner. Walk like who God says you are.
Remember, this is a journey. Some days will be harder than others, but God’s truth never changes. Keep returning to His word, keep praying, and keep walking in the freedom of your new identity.
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