In the world we live in today, there is always an identifier for every individual.  

At birth, each of us is given a piece of paper that identifies us in the form of a birth certificate.  

On that birth certificate is not only our name and date of birth, but a number.  That number is entered into a database of the state we are born in and becomes our identifier.  

The federal government then has an identifying number each of us is assigned and identified with in the form of a Social Security number.

When we turn 16, we receive another form of identification when we get our driver’s license.  

No matter what walk of life or what stage of life, we are identified by a number, a card or a piece of paper.

That is how we so often think about our spiritual life.

Many times I find individuals are searching to find where they fit or where they belong simply because they don’t know their identity.  

I wholeheartedly believe each of us comes to a point in our life where we are faced with what I call an ‘identity crisis.’  

Far too many times, we try to figure out what our identity is in the form of drugs, alcohol, relationships or work.  

God however, has a much different outlook on our identity because He is the author of it.

Genesis 1:26-27 (HCSB) reads, “Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness.’ So God created man in His own image; He created him in the image of God; He created them male and female.”

Simply put, our identity isn’t found in anything other than God Himself because we are created in His image.  

We aren’t an afterthought or a mess up, but created in the same image and likeness of the creator himself.  

Not only are we created in the image and likeness of God, but we are noticed by Him as well.  

God hasn’t created us in His image and then just cut us loose to never think about us ever again, but he notices us.  

Look at what it says in Psalm 139:1-6 (HCSB), “Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I stand up; You understand my thoughts from far away. You observe my travels and my rest; You are aware of all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue, You know all about it, Lord. You have encircled me; You have placed Your hand on me. This extraordinary knowledge is beyond me. It is lofty; I am unable to reach it.”  

The same writer who wrote this, and realized himself how much God notices us, said in Psalm 139:13-14 (HCSB), “For it was You who created my inward parts; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I will praise You because I have been remarkably and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful, and I know this very well.”

Ultimately, our identity is not on a piece of paper, a card or in a number, but in who God created us to be.  

To be able to understand our identity and who we truly are, we have to be willing to allow the creator to have a seat at our table and allow Him to show us who He is and who we are because of Him.  

There are many great churches, pastors and people in our wonderful community that would be more than willing to help introduce you to this God. 

Would you allow us to introduce you? 

It will be the best decision you ever make.

Always remember, “God loves you just the way you are, but He refuses to leave you that way.  He wants you to be just like Jesus.” — Max Lucado (Just Like Jesus).

Renny Ross is the founding pastor at Oasis Foursquare Church established in May 2013.  He can be reached by email at rennyross@oasis4square.com