“When I finally understood that my identity in Christ is secure—no matter what I do or where I go—I stopped striving and started living with more purpose, freedom, and peace.”
Why God’s Love and Call Shape Our Identity
Before you think about who you are or what you’re called to do, remember this: God is first. Our identity is not independent or above God—it is deeply rooted in His love, His call, and His work in us. When we understand that our true self is found in relationship with God, everything else falls into place. This foundation keeps us humble, secure, and free to live out God’s purpose for our lives.
Macro Identity: What God Says Is True of Every Believer
Your macro identity is the core truth about you that never changes, no matter your circumstances, feelings, or failures. The moment you believed the Gospel, God gave you a new identity that you share with every Christian, everywhere, for all time.
- Fully forgiven—past, present, and future (Ephesians 1:7, Romans 4:8)
- Adopted into God’s family (Ephesians 1:5)
- A firstborn heir—sharing Christ’s inheritance (Romans 8:17)
- Clothed in Christ’s righteousness (Ephesians 1:4)
- Given a new heart that delights in God (Romans 7:22)
- Indwelt by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19)
- Guaranteed a unique purpose and good works to walk in (Ephesians 2:10)
- Promised everlasting life (John 5:24)
- Loved by God as much as He loves Jesus (John 17:23)
Brief Prayer:
“Father, thank You for giving me a secure, unchanging identity in Christ. Help me believe what You say about me.”
Micro Identity: Your Unique Calling and Design
While your macro identity never changes, your micro identity is how God’s creativity and purpose show up uniquely in your life. God has designed you with specific gifts, passions, desires, and experiences that fit the good works He’s prepared for you:
- Desires and passions that reflect His heart (Psalm 37:4, Philippians 2:13)
- Gifts and strengths that equip you for your calling (Romans 12:6-8)
- Peace and affirmation that guide your steps (Colossians 3:15, 1 Peter 4:10)
- Fruit and vision that reveal His work in and through you (John 15:16, Habakkuk 2:1-4)
Your micro identity is about living in sync with God’s design for you—serving, loving, and leading in ways only you can.
Brief Prayer:
“God, thank You for making me unique and giving me a purpose. Show me how to walk in the good works You’ve prepared for me.”
Living in the Tension—Jesus as Our Example
Jesus lived perfectly in both macro and micro identity: fully secure as the beloved Son, yet faithfully walking out a unique, daily mission from the Father. He invites us to follow His example—abiding in God’s love and stepping into our unique calling, trusting God’s purpose in both the big picture and the everyday details.
Using the CHEW on This™ Framework for Identity
1. Confess
Be honest about where you’re tempted to define yourself by anything other than God’s truth.
- “God, I confess I’m letting my job, my parenting, or others’ opinions define me instead of Your Word and Your call.”
Brief Prayer:
“Lord, help me see where I’m building my identity on anything but You.”
2. Hear
Receive a Scripture or truth about your identity and calling in Christ.
- “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.” (1 John 3:1)
- “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works…” (Ephesians 2:10)
Brief Prayer:
“Holy Spirit, open my ears to hear Your truth about who I am and why I’m here.”
3. Exchange
Create and chew on a question that connects God’s truth to your life:
- “If I really believed I am God’s beloved child—even when I fail—how would that change the way I see myself today?”
- “If I really believed God uniquely designed and called me, how would that change how I approach this opportunity or challenge?”
- “If I really believed my value is secure in Christ, how would I respond to comparison or insecurity?”
Brief Prayer:
“Jesus, help me believe and live out my true identity, not just know it in my head.”
4. Walk
Take one practical step to live from God’s identity and call today:
- Write down a verse or truth about your identity and calling. Keep it visible.
- Pause before a big meeting, decision, or family moment and ask your chew question.
- Share your identity truth or chew question with a trusted friend or mentor.
- At the end of the week, journal one moment where living from God’s identity changed your response.
Brief Prayer:
“Father, give me courage to walk in my true identity and purpose today.”
What Happens When You Live from Macro and Micro Identity?
- You stop striving and start resting in God’s approval.
- You become more confident and less anxious about what others think.
- You find courage to step into new opportunities, knowing your worth isn’t on the line.
- You’re free to encourage others, not compete with them.
- You bounce back from setbacks, knowing your value isn’t at risk.
Try This: Chew on Your Identity This Week
Write down one area where you know your identity is not in line with the identity God gave you.
Find one verse from this list and walk through the CHEW steps, focusing on how the identity God gave you combats the false identity.
Notice what changes—and get ready for the next blog: “Making CHEW on This™ a Daily Rhythm—Even When Life Gets Busy.”
This blog post is part of an in depth exploration of what it means to CHEW on God’s love. Return to the previous post in the series here.
Transparency Note: This series is crafted in collaboration with advanced AI tools and thoughtfully finalized by the 1st Principle Group staff to ensure biblical faithfulness and practical relevance for our readers.
