“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
John 10:10 (NIV)
Make no mistake—there is a war on your identity. When Daniel stood in Babylon, he faced a systematic attempt to destroy his identity as a child of God. First, they changed his name. Then, they changed his diet. Finally, they changed his entire cultural framework. This wasn’t random; it was a calculated assault on everything that made him who he was in God.
The enemy’s strategy hasn’t changed; it’s just gotten more sophisticated. Today’s identity theft isn’t just about stealing your personal information – it’s about stealing your God-given identity. The world doesn’t just want to influence you; it intends to reprogram who you think you are.
The attack comes in three waves. First, it tries to steal your identity by making you question God’s truth about who you are. Then, it aims to kill your confidence in God’s design. Finally, it seeks to destroy your entire foundation by replacing God’s truth with cultural lies.
Satan is the original identity thief. In the Garden of Eden, his first attack wasn’t on Adam and Eve’s actions but their identity. “Did God really say?” wasn’t just questioning God’s command – it was questioning their identity as God’s children. The Hebrew word for “deceive” (נָשָׁא – nasha) in Genesis 3:13 implies a complete undermining of identity.
The world’s assault on identity is relentless. Through media, education, and even some churches, there’s a constant bombardment of messages trying to redefine human identity apart from God. They promise freedom but deliver bondage and offer self-discovery but lead to self-destruction.
But here’s the truth: no one can abolish what God established. When Daniel faced identity assassination in Babylon, he didn’t just passively resist – he actively claimed his true identity. His food decision wasn’t just about diet; it was a declaration: “I know who I am in God, and I will not let you redefine me.”
“The first step of spiritual warfare is knowing your true identity in Christ.” – Charles Stanley, renowned pastor and author. This truth reminds us that defending our identity isn’t optional – it’s essential for spiritual survival.
Your identity in Christ is your greatest fortress or your most vulnerable target. When it’s firmly established, it’s your protection against every assault. When it’s compromised, you’re susceptible to every deceptive wind of doctrine and cultural trend.
Defense requires vigilance and violence – spiritual violence. Paul tells us to “take every thought captive” (2 Corinthians 10:5). This isn’t passive resistance; it’s active warfare. Every lie about your identity must be aggressively confronted with God’s truth. Every attempt to redefine you must be met with fierce devotion to who God says you are.
You are at war, whether you realize it or not. Your identity isn’t just under observation; it’s under siege. The enemy knows that if he can destroy your understanding of who you are in Christ, he can destroy everything else. Don’t be passive in this battle.
How do we win this identity war? The strategy is evident from Daniel’s example: First, know God’s Word deeply – it’s your identity’s foundation and battle manual. Second, establish non-negotiables like Daniel did – decide in advance where you won’t compromise. Third, surround yourself with truth-tellers who reinforce your identity in Christ, just as Daniel had his three friends. Fourth, maintain a consistent prayer life that keeps you connected to your true Identity-Giver. Finally, remember that defense isn’t enough – actively proclaim and live out your identity in Christ. Victory comes from avoiding identity theft and so deeply living your true identity that the enemy’s lies become powerless against God’s truth.
Godseekers, stop playing defense with your identity. You’re not just holding ground – you’re claiming territory. Your identity in Christ isn’t something you occasionally remember; you actively defend and defiantly declare. Stand firm. Fight back. Your identity is worth protecting.
Prayer
Dear God, we recognize we’re in a battle for our identity. Give us discernment to recognize attacks, courage to stand firm in Your truth, and strength to actively defend who You say we are. Make us immovable in our identity as Your children. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Personal Reflection
- Where have you noticed subtle attacks on your identity in Christ?
- What lies about your identity do you need to confront with God’s truth actively?
Step of Faith
Today, identify one lie about your identity that you’ve passively accepted. Write down God’s truth that counters this lie, speak it out loud, and actively reject any thought or influence that contradicts who God says you are.
