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YOUR IDENTITY MARKS THE PATH OF CALLING AND PURPOSE
By Isaiah-Phillips Akintola

Identity is a powerful aspect of human existence that has been under attack since the beginning of time. Those who grasp the significance of their identity, especially in relation to their spiritual makeup, can move forward into the fulfillment of their divine purpose and live in a way that is untouchable by the enemy.

Scripture clearly reveals that man was created with a unique spiritual identity that reflects God’s image and expression. We are told that man was created in God’s image and likeness, which speaks to the spiritual dimension of human life and the need for it to reflect God’s image within the realm of time.

God’s divine intention is for man to reflect his image in every aspect of life. This is why man was created with certain abilities, capabilities, and grace. The enemy has sought to destroy this identity and, to some extent, has succeeded among those who are unaware. In other words, one way the enemy is currently destroying humanity is by altering its identity. As long as he can continue to do this without man’s knowledge, he will weaken and limit man’s ability to fulfill his purpose for the Kingdom of God.

One thing I believe the spirit of God will help the third-day church understand is that we have all been uniquely created to express different dimensions and realities of God. In God, we find streams of identity that reflect aspects of him, allowing us to understand how to carry out his purposes and intentions for our lives.

In the scriptures, God reveals himself through different imagery, expressions, and identities that align with his character, values, and purpose at specific times. Throughout history, God has expressed himself uniquely to convey his demands and purposes for different seasons.

The concept is crucial for understanding the uniqueness of our spiritual life and purpose in Christ Jesus. In order to stand and advance without limitations, we must move beyond the narrative created by humanistic philosophy or existence. The false narrative attempts to shape and confine people into a certain religious or nationalistic box, challenging the very essence of God’s value and purpose for his creation. Learning to identify how God uses the power of identity to shape people’s character and values to bring forth his divine counsel is something very few understand in the church, and this is due to several facts that stem from spiritual ignorance.

The enemy often takes advantage of people’s lack of understanding about their spiritual identity to create and promote his own beliefs, philosophies, and humanistic ideas, which can lead individuals to adopt an identity that does not align with what is intended for them by heaven. As a result, it becomes difficult for them to reflect on God’s intentions for their lives.

We all have a unique identity and purpose that has been divinely assigned to us. Learning to accept and embrace this identity is crucial to fulfilling our calling. Many people struggle with the circumstances or situations shaping their lives and question why events unfold in certain ways. However, this identity, pain, and struggle are not just gateways to receiving the grace, gifts, and wisdom needed to fulfill our purpose, but also profound opportunities for growth and resilience.

Our uniqueness and voice are not just tools; they are powerful instruments for advancing God’s kingdom. Trying to fit in by imitating others only hinders us from fulfilling our true purpose. Embracing the specific identity and calling God has given us is not just transformative; it’s liberating. We don’t need society’s acceptance or affirmation to see our worth. Their definitions that don’t align with heaven’s purpose for us will only limit the impact we’re meant to have.

CHOOSING THE TWELVE
The 12 unique disciples Jesus chose beautifully illustrates the principles of embracing our unique identities and assignments in building Christ’s apostolic church: Jesus intentionally chose 12 men, each with a unique identity shaped by their backgrounds, occupations, and personalities. He didn’t ask them to shed these identities, but rather, he empowered them to minister from the uniqueness he had given them. This is a powerful example of how our unique identities and callings can be used for God’s work.

Peter’s boldness and leadership gifting made him the outspoken spokesperson. Matthew’s background as a tax collector helped give insight into reaching those estranged from the religious establishment. Simon the Zealot brought passion to fight for justice and the coming kingdom. Jesus didn’t mold them all into one paradigm but equipped each disciple to minister out of their distinct grace and identity. This produced a beautifully diverse yet unified movement that could reach every tongue, tribe and nation with the gospel. This example shows us that our unique identities and callings, when embraced, can contribute to a larger, unified purpose.

The early church exploded with multiplicative impact precisely because every believer learned to steward their “mark” as Spirit-empowered ministers. Whether Jew or Gentile, free or slave, male or female – their identity became the very lens through which God’s power flowed into the world around them.

This is the ministry model Jesus built – calling all people to embrace their Heaven-ordained identities as the vehicle for expressing the manifold wisdom and power of God’s kingdom on earth. Only by everyone fully becoming who they were created to be could Christ’s multi-faceted, corporate church arise in lasting impact.

If heaven has marked us with a particular identity – whether through ethnicity, language, appearance, or experiences – we shouldn’t seek to remove or hide that identity to be accepted. We’re called to own it with honor and allow it to be the lens through which we amplify God’s voice and truth. Don’t subjugate your identity to predominant narratives or beliefs. Project your God-given identity boldly and use it as the means to bring the change you’re assigned in the sphere you’ve been sent to.

Our identity isn’t something to overcome or hide—it’s a sacred gift to steward in accomplishing our redemptive mission on earth. When we fully embrace who we are in Christ, we unlock profound realms of grace and authority to live out our high callings as change agents and transformers in this world.