Interests, identity, and purpose are three common words in our culture. From an early age, we’re encouraged to find our interests, to develop them, and to eventually apply them to a career.

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We spend exorbitant amounts of time, energy, and money trying to find and achieve our purpose. We’re asked to define who we are and what we want to do with our lives from the time we’re in grade school. There’s continual pressure to “figure it out” in order to start fulfilling our purpose. It’s overwhelming at times, and maybe that’s because purpose, as defined by society, is a misguided and misunderstood concept.  

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The Biblical view, as seen in Isaiah 43:1 and 7 show identity and purpose as intertwined, and the outcome is actually quite simple:

43:1b - “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine” (NLT, emphasis added).

43:7 - “Everyone who is called by My name, Whom I have created for My glory; I have formed him, yes, I have made him” (NLT, emphasis added).

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That’s it. That’s our identity. Through the work of the cross, we are God’s children, created for His glory.  

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This is one of the most powerful, life-changing concepts in all of Scripture. When we place our belief in Christ, we are made right with Him (Rom. 3:22). Isaiah 61:10 says we are then dressed in the clothing of salvation, which is the robe of righteousness. In other words, we are clothed in Christ’s perfect righteousness. This is our new identity.

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Whatever we were wearing before are filthy rags (Isa. 64:6) and in our restored state, we are a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17), wearing clothes befitting a wedding ceremony.

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From rags to restoration, ready for our created purpose – to glorify God.

Jobs may change. Seasons of life may change. Interests and passions may change. But our purpose remains the same.  

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This means you have intrinsic value. Whatever name you have been called – failure, unlovable, ugly – whatever false identity has crept into what you believe about who you are, it’s wrong. Unless that name lines up with the name Child of God, get rid of the lie. It’s not your true identity.  

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A Child of God, created to glorify God, is worthy, loved, beautiful, and equipped by the Holy Spirit to do hard things.

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A Child of God, clothed in robes of righteousness, has a seat at the wedding feast of the Lamb.  

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Heaven is your home. Child of God is your identity. Chosen is your name. Created is your worth.  

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If something is holding you back from believing in God and pulling up a seat at His table, it’s time to strip that off and lay it down at the foot of the cross. The bridegroom is waiting, ready to give you a new identity and cover you with His righteousness. HE has great things planned for you.