“While I Change, My Identity Remains”

It seems that I’ve always been on a quest to self-improve. Browsing through the book aisle of a favorite department store, my eyes are magnetized towards things that appeal to my ‘inner person’ — that wants to look, feel, eat, speak, cook, dress, clean (oh, the list is endless) better than I currently do. If I took a good hard look at myself, I’d probably find other ‘flaws’ even after ‘fixing’ the previous ones.

But Girlfriend, lean in with me here … can we ever reach that pinnacle of satisfaction? I don’t know about you, but if I were to follow the advice of every tidbit posted on social media and television commercials, I’d run myself crazy. There’s just no fulfillment in any of the world’s so-called solutions to arriving at the best version of me.

And have clothed yourselves with the new [spiritual self], which is [ever in the process of being] renewed and remolded into [fuller and more perfect knowledge upon] knowledge after the image (the likeness) of Him Who created it. Colossians 3:10 AMPC

This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT

Knowing these truths and living them are two distinct things. As a Believer, I’ve known these Scriptures from the beginning of my personal relationship with my Savior. However, living them out has proven to be the real challenge. I’ll be the first to admit to you privately here, Girlfriend, I’ve failed at being 100% consistent. SHHHH! But that’s just between me and you, OK?

Funny thing, GOD is ever consistent and unchanging in the way He communicates with us. He customizes our experience with Him based on what He knows about our nature. For example, some people can take a nature stroll and GOD will speak through the beauty of the outdoors and His creation. While some folks can sit still long enough to hear the subtle whispers of GOD as they study His Word and in prayer. Then there are those who experience the Voice of GOD through their life experiences and relationships with people. For as many variations to the uniqueness of humans, there are the equal number of ways that GOD can speak to the human soul. GOD has no limitations to what He can and will do to get our attention.

Write down some of the ways that you know GOD communicates with you.

Does He seems to speak to you in certain places? Under certain circumstances? What patterns have you noticed over the years? Make a note of these.

As always, it takes me back to the Word of GOD — who He declares that I am in Christ. I am a conquerer, a princess — His Royal Blood runs through my veins by way of the Holy Spirit. But sometimes it feels like this princess’ crown isn’t sitting well upon her head.

When I sense that there’s more for me to do, but I just can’t seem to get there and do it, I get royally frustrated with myself. And then it hits me — I have to let Him have His Way with me. Sometimes GOD has to do a work in me in order for Him to work through me.

“And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the wine would burst the wineskins, and the wine and the skins would both be lost. New wine calls for new wineskins.” Mark 2:22 NLT

If I am to be useful for His Glory, I can’t have the same mindset, habits, choices … I have to make the effort to be willing to be changed even as I am changing.

Maturity is just that way — change is constant.

For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. Hebrews 5:13 NKJV

Pursuit — relentless pursuit — of GOD, His Character, His Wisdom, His Love — all of these things will develop that spiritual muscle needed to fight through daily battles. Graduating from the milk of the Word to feasting and chomping on the meat of the Word empowers and fuels us to meet those challenges with confidence.

How does GOD cause me to experience change in order to grow me? As I pursue my personal study of GOD’s written word, and equipped with that knowledge of the Scriptures, life experiences can be some of the best teachers. But take heed, Sister, ‘lessons that are not learned are doomed to be repeated.’ That’s convincing enough to straighten up!

So if you’re like me, Sweet Friend, you’ll battle the enemy of your soul who seeks to deceive and distract you into defeat. Armor up and stake your claim over all that GOD has given you, including your identity. There’s work to be done.

And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you]. Romans 12:2 AMP

Did you see that, Sweet Friend? We are progressively changing and our mind is continuously renewing! We need not be ashamed of any deficiencies as we view them. What matters is what He thinks of us. And from what I’ve read and heard, He considers us worth dying for.