“For as he thinks within himself, so he is….” Proverbs 23:7 (NASB)
Not realizing our true identity in Christ, many of us think of ourselves only in terms of who we were before salvation. And so our lives are characterized by this self-fulfilling prophecy. As the writer of the proverb above says, “For as he thinks within himself, so he is…” (Proverbs 23:7, NASB). Seeing ourselves as we were in our pre-conversion state, powerless over the things that plagued us as non-believers, we are not capable of living a victorious Christian life.
Therefore, we continue in the same thought cycles, carrying out the same patterns of behavior, believing ourselves to be totally powerless to change. But according to Scripture, we are new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). Plus, His divine power has given us everything we need to live a godly life (2 Peter 1:3).
As we begin to see ourselves as Christ describes us in Scripture, we are able to rebuke the lies we’re tempted to believe with the truth of His Word. We can put the failures of the past in the past and press on towards a growing, progressive relationship with Him. If you’ve been paralyzed by the past, self, or Satan, allow yourself to be set free by the truth of Scripture and begin enjoying the life Christ died for — the life that will draw others to Him as they see the transformation in you.
Father, help me to see myself as You see me. Enable me to live out the crucified life: where I no longer live, but You live through me. Amen.
Take Action
The book of Ephesians is filled with the truth of who we are in Christ after salvation. Spend some time today reading about your new identity, mediate on it, and then apply these truths.