Rev. Stewart Speaks! - Knowing Your Identity

By Rev LaKeya Stewart
FWIS Contributing Writer

I recently failed an important test. I must say, it was humbling. My self-esteem was tested; however, I surprisingly never shed a tear. I remember questioning what I could have done to better prepare for the exam. I developed a plan, and I executed it. I re-tested and I passed!

Now, I do not say this to be braggadocios. I say this because we are all human and we must endure natural tests. I am certainly not exempt from failure. Tests are used to measure ones knowledge on a particular subject matter.

Failing this test taught me several things. It taught me that my worth was not determined by a score. Had I given up hope on passing the exam, I certainly would have avoided re-taking the exam. I could not allow my past failure, my anxiety and my uncertainly to dictate my actions as I planned for the future.

As I reflect on the spiritual tests I endure, I am reminded that tests are not the deciding factor when determining one’s worth. As believers in Christ, we look to our faith and the person of Jesus for our identities. It is because of this faith that even in the midst of struggles, challenge and troubles, that we can find strength even when it hurts.

The world tells believers that life with Christ is without problems. That is far from the truth. Sadly, instead of being a light for the world, many believers are negatively influenced by nonbelievers and often find themselves in an identity crisis. Many people do not know who they are and certainly not whose they are. My challenge for you is to get to know who you are in Christ. If you are rooted and grounded in the truth of scripture, you can walk confidently in your identity. If you know your identity, it will be difficult to fall into the trappings of what this world claims to offer us. Be blessed.

Rev. Stewart