Years ago way back in the 60’s & 70’s (I’m telling my age!) there was a TV game series called “To Tell the Truth”. Many of us “oldies” remember this popular show. The program consisted of a moderator, three contestants, and a panel of celebrities. The three contestants tried to fool the four-member celebrity panel into guessing who was really telling the truth about who they were.

The celebrity panelists, one at a time, would question the three contestants (addressing them by No. 1, No. 2. and No. 3) in an attempt to expose the liars and determine who was telling the truth.

The two imposters were always making up stories when asked a question by the panel. Some of them were very convincing and kept the viewing audience guessing as well. Of course, the real person would answer honestly whenever questioned. Often the four-member celebrity panel were fooled which meant the two frauds were good liars!

After the questioning period, the moderator would say “Would the real (name of person) please stand up.”

Now what does all this have to do with you as a Christian? My friend, it is of utmost importance that you know who you really are. There are lies swirling around us consistently and it is time for the true children of God to stand up in Jesus!

Growing up we are told by those around us that we are either naughty or nice, smart or average, good looking or ordinary, mean or kind, potentially successful or will always amount to nothing, etc. These voices continue to infiltrate our thinking throughout our journey of life. Words spoken from our past by family, friends, enemies, the media, teachers and peer groups still echo in our thoughts.

So what’s the answer? Who are you really??

Our true identity is found in Christ and His view of us is described in the Bible. When God calls us to do something for Him, our brain will often play the mocking tune of “Well, who do you think you are? You can’t do that! You’re too young or too old,” etc. This mental attack is meant to plant seeds of doubt and insecurity into you so you won’t step out and be all that God has called you to be.

And then there is the devil who speaks discouragement to all of God’s children, trying to hinder us from our destiny or cause us to be defeated. The enemy wants you to believe the evil onslaught from hell targeting your mind, emotions, and especially your inner core belief system. These mocking thoughts can cause you (if not confronted with truth) to begin doubting yourself, your salvation, your worth as a person, etc.

Believing lies can hinder your prayer life! Scripturally we are told that if our own hearts don’t condemn us then we can be bold in prayer.

“Beloved, if our heart condemns us not, then have we confidence toward God. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.” 1 John 3:21-22

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16

So Friend, if you don’t know who you are in Christ the enemy can have a heyday with your thought life. If you accept those thoughts as truth it will eventually change your perception of yourself and others. Predictably you could end up discouraged, defeated and lacking the confidence needed to pursue your destiny in God.

God’s Word is your arsenal against the enemy. What did Jesus do when He was tempted by the devil? Answer – He spoke the Word! Jesus knew that the Word of God was more powerful than any temptation or plot of the enemy.

Let’s delve into some scriptures that identify who you really are in Christ. The next time your brain is bombarded with negativity you can replace those thoughts with the truth of God’s Word!!

“I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels. Isaiah 61:10 NLT

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 KJV

“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.” 1 John 3:1 KJV

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” I John 1:9

You are shining as a light in the world! Philippians 2:14-15

When you cry out to God He answers you and strengthens you! Psalms 138:3

Jesus said, “I am the vine, you are the branches…” John 15:5

You are a new creature in Christ! II Corinthians 5:17

You have been delivered from the power of darkness and translated into God’s Kingdom. Colossians 1:13

You are accepted in the Beloved. Ephesians 1:6

You are free from condemnation. John 5:2

You are forgiven of all your sins and washed in the blood. Ephesians 1:7, Hebrews 9:14

You are redeemed from the curse of the law of sin and death. I Peter 1:18-19

You are the temple of the Holy Spirit. I Corinthians 6:19

You are the righteousness of God in Christ! II Corinthians 5:21

You are an ambassador for Christ. II Corinthians 5:20

You are the light of the world and the salt of the earth. Matthew 5:13-14

You have been given a spirit of power, love and a sound mind. II Timothy 1:7

You are a partaker of God’s Divine nature. II Peter 1:4

You can do all things through Christ. Philippians 4:13

You were chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world. Ephesians 1:4

You are healed by the stripes of Jesus. I Peter 2:24

God’s Spirit dwells in you. I Corinthians 3:16, I Corinthians 6:19

You are justified, completely forgiven and made righteous. Romans 5:1

Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. 1 John 4:4

You are more than a conqueror! Romans 8:37

There are many more scriptures that describe your true identity in Christ. As you begin to meditate on and declare God’s Word over your life, the enemy’s lies will be exposed and thrust aside. These truths will strengthen you, establish a strong resistance to deception and expose the liar!

And now, since you have learned to rebuke the enemy, offset his lies with God’s truth and you understand who you are in Christ…

WILL THE REAL YOU PLEASE STAND UP!!

Below is a song by Matthew West called “My name is…” It begins with the thoughts the enemy sends our way, but it ends by declaring who we really are in Christ!!