I recently had the privilege of hearing a friend speak about the need for us to embrace our true identity as God’s children. The anchor of that message is ingrained in my heart because it sums up how God sees us and how we should approach life, so I asked her to share the content with Abiding Christian readers to encourage them.

Dr. Mya Fields

Greetings, friends in faith!  My name is Dr. Mya Fields. I'm a wife, mother, assistant dean, and professor. As a military brat, I've moved around a lot but call Texas home. Growing up in Texas, my grandparents, Mary & Jim, but to me, “MawMaw and PawPaw,” took us to church and then to Golden Corral after church. I loved the variety there, especially the desserts. Just like a buffet, I encourage my students to expect to receive something valuable in our time together, just as I encourage you to be expectant as we talk about our identity in Christ.

A Call to Action

As a proud Texan, I love a good chant. So, it's only right that I share one with you today: The declaration that I want to share with you to reaffirm our identity in Christ is "In Christ, we are loved, chosen, and called." When you face life's challenges, ask yourself, "Who am I in the eyes of Christ?" Our true identity is rooted in God's love and purpose for us. Genesis tells us we are made in His image; this foundational truth should guide our lives.

While I believe our identity is ever-evolving, there are three essential factors that I want to make sure you receive today.

1. Our Unshakable Identity

Your identity in Christ is unshakable. Despite the challenges and emotions we face, our foundation in Christ remains. Use your voice to speak life and glorify God, even in difficult times.

2. Embracing Your Talents

Romans 12:6 tells us that we all have gifts to glorify God. If you are unsure of your talents, start with this truth in Romans because God has surely given you gifts. Also, seek feedback from those around you. Many times, others spot the greatness in us that we don't recognize in ourselves. I encourage you to be intentional about embracing your talents. Your talents are a gift from God; using them is your way of saying thank you to Him.

3. Fostering Community

Community is key. Surround yourself with people who will pray for you and lift you up. Make it a priority to engage in a faith community that celebrates each person's identity in Christ.

Homework

As a professor, I have to give you homework. Here are three things to take away:

1. Embrace Your Identity Daily: Start each day declaring, "In Christ, I am loved, chosen, and called."

2. Anchor Yourself in Scripture: Immerse yourself in scriptures that reinforce your identity in Christ.

3. Foster Spiritual Connections: Cultivate a faith community that acknowledges and celebrates each member’s identity in Christ.

Conclusion

As we conclude, let’s anchor ourselves in the truth of our shared declaration: "In Christ, we are loved, chosen, and called." May this declaration guide us as we move throughout the world, embracing the beauty of our identity in Christ and living out His call with boldness and love in every moment. Always remember that you are chosen and called not by the world but by the One who has overcome the world (John 16:33).

About the Author

Dr. Mya Fields is an assistant dean, professor, and host of the Hey Hannah Podcast, a show ranked in the top 3% globally. The podcast was created in response to grieving the loss of her daughter, Hannah, and is used as a platform to educate, encourage, and inspire listeners weekly. Dr. Mya enjoys spending time with her family, including her husband of 15 years, Haven Sr., and their two sons, Haven Jr. (7) and Hendrix (5). Based in Indiana, she is a proud graduate of Auburn, Purdue, and DePaul University. Raised as a military brat, she calls Texas home. With a heart for women’s ministry, Dr. Mya is passionate about helping others discover their identity in Christ.