Scripture:
“Man that is in honour, and understandeth not, is like the beasts that perish.” – Psalm 49:20
Beloved,
One of the greatest causes of emptiness in the life of a believer is the lack of spiritual identity. Many people are surrounded by opportunities, achievements, possessions, and even relationships, yet deep within them there is still a void that nothing in the world seems able to fill. This emptiness often comes from not truly understanding who they are in Christ and what His finished work has accomplished for them.
The Psalmist declares that a man who is in honour and yet lacks understanding is like the beasts that perish. This means that regardless of position, influence, education, wealth, or status, a person who does not understand his God-given identity will struggle to live meaningfully and purposefully. Ignorance of identity leads to frustration, confusion, insecurity, instability, and lack of direction. Many people spend their lives seeking validation from men because they have not discovered their acceptance in Christ.
Identity defines value. When a person does not know who they are, they will constantly look for worth in temporary things. Identity also defines relationship. Understanding who you are in Christ establishes confidence in your relationship with God as a child of the Father and not as a stranger seeking acceptance. Identity further defines purpose because purpose can never be fully discovered outside the knowledge of the One who created you.
The discovery of who you are in Christ and the understanding of His finished work is the rebirth of leadership, dominion, and spiritual confidence. A believer who understands his identity does not live in fear, intimidation, or spiritual inferiority. He understands that he has been redeemed, chosen, accepted, and empowered by God. Such a believer is not easily controlled by societal pressure, sin, discouragement, or comparison because his confidence is rooted in Christ and not in circumstances.
The enemy constantly attacks identity because he understands that when believers become ignorant of who they are, they become vulnerable to emptiness, defeat, and distraction. This was the same strategy used against Adam in the Garden and against Jesus in the wilderness when the enemy questioned His identity. Satan knows that once identity is compromised, purpose and destiny become weakened.
Christ came not only to save humanity from sin but also to restore man to his original position and identity in God. Through Christ, we are no longer slaves to fear, condemnation, or emptiness. We have become sons and daughters of God, called to reflect His nature and fulfil His purpose on the earth.
Prayer
Father, open my eyes to fully understand who I am in Christ. Deliver me from every form of emptiness, confusion, and frustration caused by ignorance of my identity. Help me to walk in confidence, purpose, spiritual authority, and divine understanding in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Adeolu Bakare
