Episode 35: Identity - You are Significant

SUMMARY
In this first installment of a four-part series, Milo and Olivia delve into the significance of having a clear identity and how that identity is rooted in Christ. Their exploration focuses on seven biblical passages that highlights how we are significant when we embrace our lives in Christ.

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PODCAST NOTES

Title: Identity - You are Significant
Hosts: Milo Curtis and Olivia Curtis

Download the Companion Notes PDF

INTRODUCTION
In this first installment of a four-part series, Milo and Olivia delve into the significance of having a clear identity and how that identity is rooted in Christ. Their exploration focuses on seven biblical passages that highlights how we are significant when we embrace our lives in Christ.

Below are some dynamics that play into cultivating an unhealthy sense of who you are:

• Cultural Influences: Societal norms and expectations can shape individuals' perceptions of themselves, making it difficult to explore their true identities.

• Family Dynamics: Family beliefs, pressures, and expectations can either support or hinder a person’s journey toward self-discovery.

• Fear of Judgment: Concerns about how others will perceive them can lead individuals to conform to external expectations rather than exploring their authentic selves.

• Lack of Self-Reflection: Without taking the time for introspection and self-exploration, people may struggle to understand their values, beliefs, and desires.

• Trauma and Past Experiences: Negative experiences—such as trauma or discrimination—can impact self-esteem and make it challenging to embrace one's identity.

• Social Media and Comparisons: Exposure to idealized versions of others’ lives can create feelings of inadequacy and confusion regarding one’s own identity.

• Life Transitions: Significant life changes, such as moving to a new place, changing jobs, or entering new relationships, can complicate identity formation.

• Mental Health Issues: Conditions like anxiety or depression can cloud self-perception and hinder the process of identity exploration.

Because you are in Christ you are significant. That is true because…

1. I AM CHOSEN
   You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. -John 15:16
   The Truth: I am chosen to be fruitful that is born out of intimacy.
   Intrusive thoughts: My mistakes, sins, and failures disqualify me
   

2. I AM SANCTIFIED
   Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. - John 17:17
   Truth: I am set aside for a holy purpose
   Intrusive thoughts: Only way to be sanctified, is through asceticism
   

3. I AM HIS CHILD
   But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God… - John 1:12
   Truth: I am invited into a life of wonder and delight
   Intrusive thoughts: He’s an absent or distant father who’s love I must earn
   

4. I AM HIS TEMPLE
   Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? - 1 Corinthians 3:16
   Truth: I am His temple- I must surrender myself to allow his Spirit to dwell
   Intrusive thoughts: My body doesn’t matter like my spirit does
   

5. I AM HIS WORKMANSHIP
   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
   Truth: I have a purpose
   Intrusive thoughts: I am a mistake
   

6. I AM SEATED WITH CHRIST
   and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus - Ephesians 2:6
   Truth: Because I am a co-heirs with Christ, I have been given authority
   Lie: My authority is something to be achieved.
   

7. I AM JUSTIFIED BY TRUSTING CHRIST
   Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. - Romans 5:1
   Truth: I have been freed from the penalty of sin
   Intrusive thoughts: I have to work to please God

This list is adapted from the book Draw Close to the Fire by Terry Wardle

CONTACT US at hello@thisresilientsoul.com. We are always looking for ways to deepen the quality and expand the impact of this podcast. So if you have some ideas on how we can do that we welcome your input.

Theme Music: Love Poem by Soyb