Knowing who we are is a comforting, reassuring feeling. Most people define their identity by where they live, who their parents are, their careers, or any number of other categories. These worldly definitions can change over time, leaving us confused and wondering about who we thought we were. However, receiving Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior makes us righteous children of God, Himself; this identity is permanent and will never shift or change.

Although we’re immediately saved when we get born again, it takes time for us to mature in Christ to the point where we know the fullness of who we really are. Until then, we’re still spiritual children. New Christians need to know that the person they were before being saved no longer exists; they have received new identities based on what God says about them. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

The most important thing we can do in our entire lives is to get born again; the second most important thing is to learn to think differently. We can’t be successful Christians if we continue in our old thought patterns and mindsets. Learning to think like God is similar to downloading new computer software to get different, better results; we’re transformed by renewing our minds (Romans 12:2).

Spiritual maturity means being willing to take responsibility for our thoughts and actions. What we think ultimately influences what we do; therefore, it’s important to think correctly so that we can do the right thing in God’s eyes. When we’re going through a situation and our thoughts are bouncing all over, knowing who we are in Christ enables us to exert the authority we have as God’s children to control our thoughts and bring them under subjection. “We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5, NLT).

Part of right-thinking is acknowledging that we’re in a spiritual war with our enemy Satan. It’s an uncomfortable thought but knowing that we have a very real enemy keeps us on our toes and ready for the battle. However, we face a defeated foe; he can’t win against a Christian who knows their true identity.

I am writing to you who are God’s children because your sins have been forgiven through Jesus. I am writing to you who are mature in the faith because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning. I am writing to you who are young in the faith because you have won your battle with the evil one. I have written to you who are God’s children because you know the Father. I have written to you who are mature in the faith because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning. I have written to you who are young in the faith because you are strong. God’s word lives in your hearts, and you have won your battle with the evil one (1 John 2:12-14 NLT).

Not knowing who we are in Christ is dangerous because the enemy can lie to us about our sure salvation and make us wonder if we’re really in right-standing with God. Studying His Word reassures us and increases our confidence that the victory Jesus won over the enemy through His death and resurrection is our victory as well. Standing strong in this truth makes us unshakeable.