Identity Theft – someone is trying to steal your identity
How to stop identity theft…
Identity theft – in the natural someone’s identity is stolen every two seconds. It is one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States. Someone steals information about you and then uses it to pretend to be you and take what is yours! Massive charges begin showing up on your credit card. Money disappears from your bank account. You are left with a mess that is difficult to correct.
Identity Theft – Don’t Be a Victim
Spiritually there’s a more devastating identity theft happening every second of every day. Tens of thousands of believers are having their identity in Christ stolen. To have your bank account ripped off is one thing but, to be robbed of your riches in Christ is a whole other story.
You’re a winner! 1 John 5:4 tells us, “ for whoever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” In other words if you are born again, if you’ve put your faith in Christ, you are born to win. It’s part of your identity in Christ. It’s who you are. Your identity is important. You need to treasure it and protect it. There is a thief that wants to still your identity! Don’t become a victim of identity theft.
Beware of the Thief
Jesus warns us in John 10:10, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy…”. The thief is the devil and he wants to steal from you. He wants to steal the truth of who you are in Christ. He will lie to you and deceive you to try to convince you that your a loser. He wants to take away your peace and joy by bringing thoughts of condemnation and guilt. The “thief” wants to steal your true identity by defeating you, discouraging you, robbing you of your privileges, and stopping you from living out your purpose and destiny. What should you do?
Guard Your Heart and Mind
You must take steps to guard your heart and mind. Proverbs 4:23 instructs us to, “Above all else guard our heart, for out of it flow the issues of life.” Proverbs 23:7 tells us, “As a man thinks in his heart so is he.” It is in your heart and mind you store the treasures of God’s truth and out of that flows life. The New Testament over and over teaches us and reminds us of who we are NOW that we are in Christ. We are the elect, holy, and beloved (Col. 3:12). We are new creations old things have passed away (2 Cor. 5:17). We are joint heirs with Christ. (Romans 8:17) We are adopted sons, and daughters of God (Rom. 8:15-16). We are redeemed, and forgiven (Eph. 1:7). We are citizens of the kingdom of heaven (Phil. 3:20). We ARE complete in Christ (Col. 2:8-10). We are righteous. (2 Cor. 5:21). These are the realities – the truths of who we are in Christ. It is our identity. These truths need to be hidden in our hearts and they need to be what we think about. It is these truths that the enemy wants to steal because they are what make up your real identity.
It is imperative that you guard these truths by keeping your mind focused on them and not allow the lies and deceptions of the enemy to steal them. You must see yourself as God sees see you in Christ. You must accept yourselves for who God says you are. You must not let feelings, circumstances, or other people’s opinions of you shape or define who you are. Guard your heart and mind to protect the truth.
Take Back What the Devil has Stolen
If you have experienced spiritual identity theft and have lost your confidence in who you are in Christ, it is time to take back what the devil has stolen. Jesus gave His life to give you a new identity. Take back your identity by remembering who He has made you. Declare God’s Word over your life. Don’t allow others label you. Your are a new creation in Christ, “old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2Corinthians 5:17) Jesus promises us that the truth will set us free. You belong to Him. You are valuable. Don’t believe the lies of the enemy. Believe the truth.
You Are Valuable Because
If I offered to give you a $100 bill would you take it? Absolutely, who wouldn’t take a $100. Why? It’s worth one hundred dollars. But, what if I crumbled it up, spit on, stepped on, rubbed it in the dirt, would you still want it? Sure you would. Why? It’s still worth one hundred dollars. None of what I did to it changed its value. The value is based on the fact the United States government made it and stands behind it no matter how worn, creased, or dirty it is. So, it is with you. Your value is not based on what has happened to you in life or what you’ve done or not done. You are valuable because of who made you. Ephesians 2:10 tells us, “We are God’s workmanship” Psalms 139:13 says you’ve been, “fearfully and wonderfully made” by God. You’ve been created “in the image of God” (Genesis 1:27) AND- He proved how valuable you are by how much He paid for you. He paid the ultimate price – He gave His life for you. Your are valuable – priceless regardless of how messed up, dirty, or marred you may be. God stands behind you and with you. He will never leave you or forsake you!
When you look in the mirror, who do you see? What do you see?
Make sure you see who Christ says your are – that is your true identity. Identity theft – take steps today to stop the enemy from stealing your identity.
