Having schooled and now working in an international environment, I interact predominantly with people of diverse cultures. Some having very unique dispositions due to being born and raised in sometimes more than three different countries.

One of the things I have learnt in these settings is the tolerance of dissimilar cultures but most importantly, the need for every individual to have an identity. I find that this identity defines the individual and somewhat dictates their attitude towards life.

Some of the people I have met build their identity on the colour of skin, country of origin, traditions practised, wealth accumulated, while others build it on their  professional qualifications and positions,  life experiences, educational achievements, outward appearance, skills garnered, religious beliefs,  opinions of relatives and friends, fashion, the list is endless.

While some of these attributes could play a positive role in shaping an individual, none of them are worth building on; none can give an individual their true identity.

A true identity is only found in the creator of the product. You are God’s creation; an original. His eyes saw your unformed body. He created your inmost being and knit you together in your mother’s womb. He has now redeemed you and calls you by name saying, “you are mine”.

God’s thoughts towards you are true, constant and transformational. When you feel weak He calls you strong; when it looks impossible He says you can do all things through Christ who gives you strength; when you feel guilty about the past He calls you a new creation.

I implore you, child of God, to know, believe, walk and grow in your true identity; what God says about you. Take each week to chew on one bible word concerning your true identity in God through Christ Jesus and watch your life begin to shift from glory to glory.

Psalm139:14-16, Isaiah43:1, Phillipians4:13, 2Corinthians5:17, 2Corinthians12:10