Gio Llerena
Nicknames
I’ve always been interested in where nicknames come from. From what I can tell, they often are a result of something you have done, or an event that identifies you. Our family enjoys sports and so naturally I’m drawn to the nicknames given to athletes and they somewhat affirm my point. Here are a few that come to mind:
Air Jordan was given to Michael Jordan because of his hangtime on his dunks, especially when he jumped and dunked from the free throw line. How about a different sport, in the world of track and field we have Usain Bolt. Usain Bolt has the nickname "Lightning Bolt" which identifies him as the fastest man in the world and his last name being Bolt! Presidents have been identified as Honest Abe, the Peanut farmer, and others that are negative due to what they have done or perceived to have done.
Who Are We?
My point is that oftentimes who we are and what we do or have done is what identifies us. If it is attached to something good, we feel great about ourselves. If it is attached to a mess up or a failure, it can haunt us for the rest of our lives.
Perceived Identity
Many times though, identity is tied to what others have said about us, or actions brought upon us. Your parents may have said things during your childhood that over time you began to believe about yourself, or teachers, coaches, friends, bosses etc. These things have stuck with you and you have a hard time shaking it off. We have believed these things and are now living in them. Perhaps you have done something in your past that you just don’t feel you can forgive yourself (many times the hardest person to forgive is ourselves) and that one incident has paralyzed you from living in victory. Not allowing you to receive the gift of forgiveness from the Lord. These lies we have believed have a huge effect on the relationships we have.
True Identity
We don’t have time to truly tackle all the issues of life that can and have contributed to shaping people's lives, but I do want to take the time for the rest of this blog to share with you what your true identity is!
Dr. Neil T. Anderson of Freedom In Christ Ministries writes in his book Your Identity In Christ (2019), a list of verses that speaks to our identity. In an effort to not reinvent the wheel, I jotted down his list. Please take the time to slowly read these aloud over yourself.
As a believer in Christ:
I AM ACCEPTED
I am a child of God. John 1:12
I am Christ’s friend. John 15:15
I have been justified. Romans 5:1
I am united with the Lord, and I am one with Him in spirit. 1 Corinthians 6:17 I have been bought with a price. I belong to God. 1 Corinthians 6:20
I am a member of Christ’s body. 1 Corinthians 12:27
I am holy in Christ. Ephesians 1:1
I have been adopted as God’s child. Ephesians 1:5
I have direct access to God through the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 2:18
I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins. Colossians 1:14
I am complete in Christ. Colossians 2:10
I AM SECURE
I am free from condemnation. Romans 8:1-2
I am assured all things work together for good. Romans 8:28
I am free from any condemning charges against me. Romans 8:31-34
I cannot be separated from the love of God. Romans 8:35-39
I have been established, anointed, and sealed by God. 2 Corinthians 1:21-22
I am confident that the good work God began in me will be perfected. Philippians 1:6
I am a citizen of heaven. Philippians 3:20
I am hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:3
I have not been given a spirit of fear, but of power, love & a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 I can find grace and mercy in time of need. Hebrews 4:16
I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me. 1 John 5:18
I AM SIGNIFICANT
I am the salt and light of the earth. Matthew 5:13-14
I am a branch of the true vine, a channel of Christ’s life. John 15:1,5
I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit. John 15:16
I am a personal witness of Christ. Acts 1:8
I am God’s temple. 1 Corinthians 3:16
I am a minister of reconciliation for God. 2 Corinthians 5:17-21
I am God’s coworker. 2 Corinthians 6:1
I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realm. Ephesians 2:6
I am God’s workmanship. Ephesians 2:10
I may approach God with freedom and confidence. Ephesians 3:12
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
Live in the Truth
Believing who God says we are and living in that truth is a big deal when it comes to a healthy marriage. We cannot be who God wants us to be for our spouse if we have not had victory over who He says we are and overcome the lies we have believed. Release those faulty beliefs to the Lord and start living today in His strength and in His truth! It will radically change you and your relationships, starting with your spouse.
To learn more about this topic, listen to our podcast titled "Bringing your best self to marriage".
Anderson, N. T. (2019). Your Identity In Christ. Harvest House Publishers.
