Read: 2 Corinthians 5:17
Have you ever noticed how one of the first questions we ask someone new is, “What do you do?” It’s such a common icebreaker that we hardly think about it. But depending on the answer, it can feel like a moment of pride or dread. Some people are excited to say, “I’m a doctor,” or “I’m an artist.” Others may feel awkward or even ashamed, saying, “I’m between jobs,” or trying to dress up their role with a fancier title. Somewhere along the way, what we do became a label we wear—a shorthand for our worth in the eyes of the world.
But here’s the good news: your identity isn’t tied to your job, your achievements, or your failures. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, we’re reminded that if we are in Christ, we are a new creation. The old labels, expectations, and opinions of others are no longer what define us. Instead, God has given us a new identity—one rooted in His grace, His love, and His purpose for our lives.
Think about the spies in Numbers 13:33. They saw themselves as small and insignificant, calling themselves “grasshoppers.” This wasn’t God’s perspective, but it became their reality because they believed it. Similarly, when we let the world, our past, or even our own insecurities dictate our identity, we live small. But in Christ, we are redeemed, restored, and deeply loved. We are His children, and that changes everything.
Living as a new creation means shedding the old labels that hold us back. It means embracing the truth that our value comes from what Jesus has done for us—not from what we do or fail to do. In Him, we can walk confidently, knowing we are fully known and fully loved.
Reflection Questions:
- What labels have you been wearing that don’t reflect your identity in Christ?
- How does knowing you are a “new creation” change the way you see yourself?
- What step can you take to align your life with this new identity?