This article is one of several concerning the importance of Mental Health and Christianity, researched and written by Mrs. Andrina Jordan (MA, LPC, NCC, CPCS). For more information about her practice, visit 712 Q.A.C.C. Counseling For The Soul, LLC.

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” – Ephesians 2:10 KJV

We are not our titles, roles, diagnosis, or labels; Dr., scientist, professor, mother, father, disabled, ADHD, Autistic, fat, beautiful, or famous. We are not our mistakes or successes but rather they are a part of us. Who are we really and what is our true identity? We cannot love ourselves or others if we do not love God first. God is love. God teaches us how
to love.

“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and everyone that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.   He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” – 1 John 4:7-8 KJV

It is difficult to love yourself if you don’t know who you are, where you come from, or who you belong to. This often puts several groups of people at higher risk of suffering from identity issues and low self-esteem.

♦ Individuals that have suffered traumas such as sexual, physical, and emotional abuse and neglect.
♦ Orphans
♦ Children of single-parent homes or an unknown parent
♦ Adopted children
♦ Oppressed populations
♦ Children of prolonged foster care with little to no stability

Some commonly known mental health diagnoses that are categorized as personality disorders are:

♦ Dissociative Identity Disorder, formerly known as multiple personality disorder: Mentally switching between two or more identities
♦ Borderline Personality: Emotional instability prompting impulsive destructive behaviors
♦ Narcissistic Personality: An inflated sense of self but also fearing being worthless
♦ Paranoid Personality: Extremely suspicious and distrustful of the world around them

Unfortunately, many people spend a great deal of time and energy trying to be like someone else. Even wishing they were someone else. Some people go to the extreme of dressing and acting like other people. Sometimes to the point that they try to mimic someone else’s lifestyle. Sometimes, people will create an alter ego to escape reality. Others may develop mental health personality disorders as a result of trauma or stressful situations. Yet others develop maladaptive personality traits as a protective or coping mechanism. All of this struggle with identity despite the fact that God made us uniquely in his image, and there is no one else on the entire Earth that is exactly the same. Not even identical twins!

“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” – Genesis 1:27 KJV

Science supports that we are either male or female based upon our reproductive anatomy. We are also three different nations coming out of the lineages of Shem, Ham, or Japheth (see Genesis 10 and 1 Chronicles 1). See if you can match each nation of people with their land. This will take a little time, research, and diligence but you will be sure to find that this aligns with history. Try to discover which of Noah’s three sons you come out of, Shem, Ham, or Japheth. Here are some clues.

♦ Shem: Read Deuteronomy 28:15-68, Exodus 4:6-7, Revelation 1:8-15, Jeremiah 1:5, 1 Peter 2:9
♦ Ham: Read Psalms 78:51
♦ Japheth: Read Acts 10:1-5, 10, 19-22, 28-29, 34-36, 45, Ezekiel 30:10, Daniel 2:37-38, Daniel 7:1-3, 17, 23-25, Daniel 9:1-2, Daniel 10:1, Daniel 7:7, Daniel 11:2-3, Daniel 7:22, 27

This identifies who we are and where we come from as physical human beings. So who are we in the spirit according to the word of God? Psalm 139:14 KJV says that we are fearfully and wonderfully made by God. If this is true, then we must be the sons and daughters of God.

“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:” – John 1:12 KJV

If we believe on Jesus’s name then we believe that every word of God in the Bible is true.

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” – Romans 8:14 KJV

If we allow ourselves to be led by the spirit of God then we will do the will of God. We will obey all his laws, statutes, and commandments.

“And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” – Romans 8:17 KJV

If we follow the ways of Christ, being obedient to God’s word then we will also inherit the kingdom of God.

“For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.” –Matthew 12:50 KJV

This is our family. This is where we come from and who we belong to. There is a great responsibility and great power that comes with being a child of God. We were created to work together, each fulfilling his or her own special purpose. If we try to be someone else how can we fulfill God’s unique purpose for our lives? He has great plans for our lives (Jeremiah 29:11, KJV).

But in order to fulfill those plans we must trust him. We must trust that his word is true. If we do then we also know the following to be true. We are . . .

♦ Children of God. – Romans 8:16
♦ Ambassadors for Christ – 2 Corinthians 5:20-21
♦ The Body of Christ – 1 Corinthians 12:27
♦ More Than Conquerors – Romans 8:37
♦ Laborers Together with God. – I Corinthians 3:9
♦ The Light of the World. – Matthew 5:14
♦ Complete In Him. – Colossians 2:10

These are wonderful spiritual affirmations to aid with defining identity and building self-esteem. Affirmations are positive statements that affirm one’s self. Positive affirmations are phrased in the present tense. These statements may be presently true or who you are striving to be. It may feel awkward at first but I encourage my clients to speak their affirmations out loud 1 to 3 times daily in the mirror with conviction. This helps the brain to process information better. Eventually, causing one to act on the statements and begin walking in the affirmations. Speaking life over themselves.

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” – Proverbs 18:21 KJV

Try writing your own affirmations. Affirmations can be made for any topic; health, finances, love, etc. You choose. Practice saying them out loud daily for 30 days. Track your mood a week before starting. Notice any positive changes that occur during your 30-day journey. In Christ is where we find our true identity. In finding our true identity we find purpose and reduce pain, suffering, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and identity issues. Let’s acknowledge our
identity in Christ and walk in it. What are some ways can you begin to accept who you are in Christ?