How can I find my identity? When the judge slammed that gavel down, I knew my life would never be the same. I was a convicted felon, a sex offender, and a youth leader gone rogue. I felt the weight of the world on my shoulders.

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” — Ephesians 2:10

Now I had to prove to everyone that it was indeed a mistake. I made one of the worst choices a man could make due to anger problems, feeling betrayed, and a deep-seated struggle with sexual immorality. I was a father of one with another on the way, a husband, a leader in the church, and a respected member in my community. My identity was about to take on a new role.

How Can I Find My Identity After Failure?

I was sentenced to 10 years on the sexual registry, as well as two and a half years on probation and was shunned from the religious group I once followed. After three intense months of reading book after book as well as the bible, I thought I’d find the answer to my identity problems. However, I was still unsure of who I was. I could not honestly believe that God’s love, grace, and mercy were for me after what I had done to destroy my family, my future, and my identity. 

After a year, I have learned that who I am is not based on the bad decisions I made. King David, Paul the Apostle, Job, and Peter taught me that even the strongest, wisest, and successful people get corrupted by the sin nature living within us. God’s plan is not to throw us away when we fall into the snares of the enemy. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

So, I believe if God had good things planned for me to do, he knew there would be times where I would forget. I would forget who I was created to be, and what I was designed to do. Regardless of your past or present situations, you must be willing to see yourself as God sees you and get to know yourself as God knows you.

Who am I?

One of the age-old questions of man is, “Who am I?” This question keeps people consumed in self-hatred, negativity, and pessimistic attitudes. I have been guilty many times taking personality tests, career assessments, and even identification questionnaires, which left me confused. These tests did not help me reach a greater understanding of my identity, nor did they give me the relief I desperately craved. As a father, husband, and man, I know that understanding who you are is vital for your family, job, and purpose in life. It is even more crucial to understand your identity in the kingdom of God fully.

Will you accept who God made you be, and what he has created you to do? When I sought God more than anything else, my life began to change.

Here is my challenge for you. For the next week, I challenge you to treat other like royalty. Lastly, wake up each day and ask God what can you do for him; not what you want him to do for you. You, your family, and your community will significantly benefit from your actions. Feel free to continue as long as you want.

For more reading materials on Who You Are In Christ, see below:

• Anointed, Appointed & Affirmed For Your Purpose
• Finding Your Identity
• Don’t Find Your Identity in Your Work