To View the Video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/dzHTyQyZyrs
SHOW NOTES
Welcome to a new week of the Hope Rescue Podcast! This week Tim and Kimberly are covering the topic of identity. Are you worried about what others think? Are you comfortable with who you are? Are you trying to mask who you are? Do you feel like you're enough? Do you compare yourself to others? Keep listening or reading to find out where your identity should stem from.
Identity is who you are, and image is your reputation. Image is how we are seen by others, while identity is who we actually are intrinsically. Your identity is not tied to your instrumental value (or what you can do) but your intrinsic value (who you are in Christ). Problems can arise when your self-image does not reflect your intrinsic value. Self-image is who you think you are, and it doesn't always reflect your intrinsic value. Self-image can be distorted on both sides of the spectrum, either by feelings of arrogance or of inadequacy. When we have a distorted or flawed self-image, it can prevent us from seeing our true identity. A distorted identity can also feed mental health problems.
Second Corinthians 10:12 says, "Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding." Paul is talking about how people are constantly trying to appear better than those around them by comparison. It’s okay to have instrumental value and have talents and skills, but when we put all our focus and energy into developing only our instrumental value, we become lost when it is stripped from us. Kimberly brings up the topic of olympic athletes who put all their value and focus into one sport, and then don’t win the gold medal. Where do they go from there? If your self-image is not rooted in who you truly are in Christ, you will feel lost when you can no longer prove your worth.
Tim says, “You will experience total freedom when you find out who you really are and become comfortable in that reality.” Kimberly adds, “Free yourself to embrace who you are and let go of who you are not.” Don’t waste time trying to be someone God didn’t create you to be. Place your value on the fact that you are a new creation, God's workmanship, and a child of God. Who you are is not who others think you are, and it's often not even who you think you are. Who you are is a child of God, and that is where we should focus our value. Let the Lord define your value.
Six Ways to Overcome a Distorted Identity
Spend maximum time with your identity supporters. Make sure your closest friends are truth tellers and not there to just gas you up and make you feel good.
Focus on your core identity, not your performance. Your performance and abilities should have no effect on your identity.
Avoid having a victim identity. Everybody’s story is valuable, but be an overcomer and focus on what you have conquered rather than focusing on the trauma.
Push back against false labels. Don't label yourself and don't allow others to label you.
Don't attach your self-image to your instrumental value. Attach your self-image to your intrinsic value. Your intrinsic value comes from one source: Christ. The Bible says you are a saint, a child of God, chosen by God, forgiven, and blessed. Ephesians 1:3 says, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.”
Stop comparing yourself to others. It’s easy to get sidetracked in comparison. Focus more on who you are and less on what you do.
QUOTES
“You will experience total freedom when you find out who you really are and become comfortable in that reality.” -Tim
“Free yourself to embrace who you are and let go of who you are not.” -Kimberly
“Don’t waste time trying to be someone God didn’t create you to be. Place your value on the fact that you are a new creation, God's workmanship, and a child of God.” -Kimberly
REFERENCED SCRIPTURE
2 Corinthians 10:12 "Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding."
Ephesians 1:3 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.”
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