I have been the victim of identity theft. And I suspect that you have been as well.

You may read that statement and assume I am referring to an unfortunate series of events through which one’s personal information is misused for the illegal gain of another - but this is not really what I’m talking about.

Let me explain.

What is it that you know about me? Some know that I am married. Some know that I have children. Some know that I am a musician. Some know that I am an engineer. Some may even know that I have a strange quirk of wanting the light switches in my house to be in a particular position every night before I go to bed.

Since I am addressing my church family, I could even present things in a more church-driven context and say that some may know I am an elder. Some may know that I am a worship leader. Some may know that I am a connection group leader.

These statements are all true. They describe something that I could potentially be characterized or known by. In other words, these things are what the world would call my identity.

Mirriam-Webster defines identity as “the distinguishing character or personality of an individual” or literally: individuality. This suggests that what gives me an identity is what is uniquely mine and allows me to be differentiated from others. If we extend this just a little further, by definition, the world would say that our uniqueness is what gives us worth or value.

But there is an inherent problem with this definition. If our identity and worth are found in what makes us unique, it also means that we have to fight to maintain or redefine that uniqueness. So by the world’s definition, our identity is not and cannot be a constant.

But what does scripture tell us about our identity? Looking back to Genesis 1:27 we see the creation of mankind:

"So God created man in his own image, 
     in the image of God he created him;
     male and female he created them" (Genesis 1:27). 

From the Hebrew form of the text, the word image can be defined as “a resemblance” or “representative figure”. We were created by God as a resemblance or representative figure of God.

There are a couple of things to see in understanding this text. First, it should be noted that as a representative figure (or ambassador if we want to use terminology from 2nd Corinthians 5), we are created in God’s image and for God’s purpose, but we are not equal to God. Second, there is no mention of a value that is attributed to the creation of mankind through any sense of uniqueness.

As I mentioned earlier, the world’s definition of identity requires a constant evolution of uniqueness. But if we are created in God’s image, does the same need for constant reinvention apply to God? The answer is an emphatic “no”! We know this because scripture tells us this is so.

In Psalm 102:25-27 we read the following:

"Of old you laid the foundation of the earth, 
     and the heavens are the work of your hands.
They will perish, but you will remain;
     they will all wear out like a garment.
You will change them like a robe, and they will pass away, 
     but you are the same, and your years have no end" (Psalm 102:25-27).

In this passage, we see the acknowledgement of God's consistency, from before the foundations of the earth through eternity, shown in stark contrast to the perishable things of this earth.

Likewise, in Malachi 3:6, the Lord tells us that “... I the Lord do not change” (Malachi 3:6).

The consistency of God is demonstrated throughout scripture. This consistency allows us to have an unshakeable faith in not only what has transpired throughout the recorded history of scripture, but also in what is yet to come as Satan, sin, and death are defeated once and for all.

This then begs the question that if we are created in God’s image and God is unchanging, is there any need for us to chase after the constantly evolving identities of the world? Again, I will answer this with an emphatic “no”!

Our uniqueness doesn’t come from things of this world. It doesn’t come from wealth, job titles, fancy cars, expensive vacations, or designer clothes. It doesn’t come from ethnicity, lineage, family, or societal definition. It doesn’t come from depravity, hours spent on mission trips, the ministries we assist, or the seminary we attended.

While these things can give insight into where our hearts fall regarding what we treasure, they should not be used to define our identity. We are created in the image of God, and He is constant and unchanging.

So, let’s redefine identity from the perspective of biblical purpose. There is a uniqueness that is given to mankind in comparison to the rest of creation. We alone are created in His image. We alone have been separated from a holy God by our sin, and we alone are able to be restored solely through the grace of God and the redemptive work of Jesus Christ on the cross. 

Given all of this, was I created to be an engineer? Was I created to be a musician? Was I created to be a connection group leader?

Scripture gives us the answer. In Isaiah 43:7, the Lord defines the purpose for which we were created:

"...everyone who is called by my name, 
     whom I created for my glory,
     whom I formed and made" (Isaiah 43:7).

Likewise, 1st Corinthians 8:6 tells us:

“...yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist” (1 Corinthians 8:6).

Simply and unquestionably, we were created to give Him glory.

Every part of our earthly story, our talents, and our belongings serve as a means to give Him glory. They are not what defines our identity, and they are not meant to give us glory. Remember… we are not equals to God.

I could lose my ability to play music. I could lose my job. My connection group could cease to exist. Financial markets could crash. Our health could fail.

If my identity is bound to those things, it is easily lost and in constant need of reinvention. However, if my identity is found in being an image bearer of God created for the sole purpose of worshiping Him, it allows me to hold any gift, talent, time of prosperity or time of trial as a means of glorifying Him.

I still desire to use all that He has provided and all that He walks me through for His glory, but my identity is not lost in their absence or cemented in their existence.

So let me share with you the identity that I hope is seen in all of us: He is the Lord our God, and He alone is worthy of praise. My very existence, my purpose, is to worship Him, not as a response of my worth, but solely in response to His.

I have been the victim of identity theft… and I was the thief. I have taken the identity given to me by God and replaced it with so many lesser things. And I suspect that you have as well.

Lord, let all that we are, all that we have, and all that we desire give you the honor and glory you alone deserve. Our identity is nothing apart from you.