Your Words Identify You

 

The Power of Words on Your Self-Image

You are created in the image of God and, when born again, adopted into His family with full rights as His child. The Apostle Paul reminds us, "For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:26, NKJV), and "because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, 'Abba, Father!'" (Galatians 4:6, NKJV). As children of God, we are called to act in a way that reflects our true identity, living differently from the world.

Unfortunately, many Christians do not experience a transformed self-image, and consequently, they do not live fully actualized lives as children of God. Our words play a significant role in shaping this self-image. Jesus said, "For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" (Matthew 12:34, NKJV). Our words reveal the condition of our hearts and our relationship with God. As His children, we must be mindful of what we speak, knowing that “death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21, NKJV).

The purpose of this blog is to help you change how you see yourself and live fully in your identity as God's child. The words we choose to speak have the power to shape our self-image, impact others, and reflect our faith in Christ. By renewing our minds and aligning our words with God’s truth, we can begin to experience the fullness of life that God intended for us.

Power Points: How Self-Image Impacts Our Lives

1. We Consistently Act According to How We See Ourselves
   Our self-image, or how we perceive ourselves, becomes the foundation for all our actions. When we think negatively about ourselves, we tend to act in ways that confirm those negative thoughts. Conversely, a positive self-image can empower us to take bold actions and pursue our God-given purpose.
2. Poor Self-Image Begins in the Mind
   Negative thoughts often lead to a poor self-image. If we dwell on our shortcomings or failures, we reinforce a mindset of defeat. These thoughts can become strongholds that limit our potential and stifle our growth. Left unchecked, these negative thoughts can manifest into deeper problems.
3. If Left Alone, A Poor Self-Image Makes Us Critical and Jealous in Nature
   A negative view of ourselves can cause us to see the worst in others. Criticism and jealousy are often rooted in a lack of confidence and a poor self-image. We project our insecurities onto others, leading to strained relationships and emotional turmoil. This critical spirit is just one sign of a deeper issue—the breakdown of personal motivation.
4. A Poor Self-Image Reveals Itself in a Breakdown of Motivation
   When we have a low view of ourselves, it becomes difficult to find the motivation to pursue our goals. This breakdown in motivation stems from the belief that we are not worthy or capable of success. But the good news is, the opposite is also true.
5. Good Self-Image = Success
   A healthy self-image is key to achieving success. When we see ourselves as God sees us—loved, chosen, and empowered—we are more likely to act in faith, take risks, and accomplish great things. To build a better self-image and see ourselves as God sees us, we must first change our thoughts towards ourselves, and that starts with our words and self-talk.

Step 1: Get Your Words Right

Victory and defeat begin in the mind. Proverbs 18:21 (AMP) reminds us, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit." To transform our self-image, we must first transform our words.

• Put Correct Thoughts in Your Mind
  Philippians 4:8 (NKJV) instructs us to focus on whatever is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and of good report. By filling our minds with positive, faith-filled thoughts, we begin to change our self-image from the inside out.
• Think Victory, or You’re Already Defeated!
  To achieve victory, we must first think like victors. As Paul declares, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13, NKJV). Refuse to entertain thoughts of defeat; instead, think, “I don’t care what it looks like, I’m an overcomer.”
• Your Thoughts Become Your Passion… Think Right
  Our thoughts fuel our passions. By thinking right, we ignite a passion for growth, success, and fulfilling God's purpose for our lives. Once we recognize our words are affecting our lives, we need to learn to align them to God’s truth and plant the right seeds in our minds.

Step 2: Plant the Right Seeds in the Garden of Your Mind

Our minds are like gardens, and our thoughts are seeds. To cultivate a fruitful life, we must tend to our mental gardens.

• Prepare the Soil; Remove the Trash, Weeds, Rocks, Etc.
  Just as a gardener removes debris from the soil, we must clear our minds of negative and destructive thoughts. Replace these with positive, uplifting, and faith-filled words from God's Word.
• Plant the Correct Seeds
  The Word of God is the ultimate seed for our minds. When we meditate on Scripture, we plant seeds of truth, hope, and love that will bear fruit in our lives.
• Pull the Weeds That Grow
  Negative thoughts will inevitably creep in, but we must be diligent in pulling them out. The Bible tells us to "take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5, NIV). We have the power to reject negative thoughts before they take root in our minds. When a weed of doubt or fear appears, uproot it with the truth of God's Word. With the right seeds planted, we must continually exercise our will to think positively.

Step 3: Exercise Your Will – Think Positive

To change our self-image, we must be intentional about our thoughts. As David said, "I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth" (Psalm 34:1, NKJV).

• Start by Saying, “I Will Develop the Habit of Positive Thinking.”
  Declare your intention to think positively. Remember, "This is not mind over matter 'psychobabble.' It’s mind over mouth!" Speak life and truth into your circumstances.
• The Way You Think in Your Mind Will Either Bring Joy or Stress
  Negative thinking leads to stress, which can be destructive to both your body and emotions. Positive thinking, grounded in God's Word, brings peace, joy, and success. Even with positive thinking, we must confront fear that can stifle faith.

Step 4: Overcome Fear with Faith

Fear is a powerful emotion that can undermine our faith and limit our success.

• Fear Will Paralyze Your Thoughts of Success
  Fear causes us to doubt ourselves and God's promises. It will paralyze our efforts and keep us from achieving the success that God has planned for us.
• Fear Will Inactivate Faith
  Just as water extinguishes fire, fear extinguishes faith. To combat fear, we must fill our minds with positive thoughts rooted in Scripture, which drives out fear. As 1 John 4:18 (TPT) states, "Love never brings fear, for fear is always related to punishment. But love’s perfection drives the fear of punishment far from our hearts." We must embrace the truth that God created us to succeed.

Step 5: Know You Were Created to Succeed

God created each of us with a purpose and a plan for success. As Zig Ziglar says, "We’re engineered for success." Scripture reinforces this in Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV): "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." The next step is to “just do it” and not find yourself like many others who know what to do but never start.

• Use It or Lose It – Use What You Have!
  Get started today! Do not bury your talents or gifts; use them! Jesus’ parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30, NKJV) encourages us to use what God has given us or risk losing it.
• Self-Pity Destroys Your Self-Image
  Do not let self-pity stop you from starting or cause you to give up. Self-pity is a trap that destroys confidence and cripples growth. If you stumble or fail, remember, "A righteous man may fall seven times and rise again" (Proverbs 24:16, NKJV). Get up and keep going! Focus on your successes, not your failures.
• Accept Yourself
  Accept who you are in Christ. Embrace your unique gifts and callings. Remember, "We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works" (Ephesians 2:10, NKJV). When we align our words, thoughts, and actions with God's truth, we begin to see transformation in every area of our lives.

Conclusion: Your Words Reflect Your Identity in Christ

If you are born again, you are called to renew your mind and align your thoughts and words with the truth of who you are in Christ. The Bible commands us, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Romans 12:2, NKJV). A renewed mind is the foundation for living a victorious Christian life.

We are also instructed to "take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5, NIV). This means we have the power to reject negative thoughts before they take root in our minds and transform our words to reflect God's truth. Your words are a powerful tool—use them to speak life, encouragement, and faith. As you begin to align your thoughts and words with God’s truth, you will start to see a transformation in how you view yourself and how you live.

Embracing your identity as a child of God means speaking words that reflect this truth. Let your words build up, encourage, and affirm God’s promises. When your words and thoughts mirror the truth of who God says you are, your self-image will be renewed, and you will walk confidently in the fullness of His purpose for your life. Remember, you are not the same as the world. You have been set apart, and your words should reflect your status as a child of the King.

Get started today and change your life. The action plan below will help ensure you get started on the right path.

---

Action Plan: Affirming Your Identity in Christ

To support the transformation of your self-image, begin incorporating these biblical affirmations into your daily routine:

10 Affirmations:

1. I am a child of God, redeemed and forgiven by His grace.
   "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name."
   (John 1:12, NKJV)
2. I am chosen and appointed to bear lasting fruit.
   "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you."
   (John 15:16, NKJV)
3. I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus.
   "For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him."
   (2 Corinthians 5:21, NKJV)
4. I am seated in heavenly places with Christ.
   "And raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus."
   (Ephesians 2:6, NKJV)
5. I am God's workmanship, created for good works in Christ.
   "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."
   (Ephesians 2:10, NKJV)
6. I am a member of Christ’s body and share in His promise.
   "This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus."
   (Ephesians 3:6, NIV)
7. I am a light in the Lord, called to walk as a child of light.
   "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light."
   (Ephesians 5:8, NKJV)

Key Success Affirmations:

1. I am a new creation in Christ, and my old life has passed away.
   "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."
   (2 Corinthians 5:17, NKJV)
2. I am more than a conqueror through Him who loves me.
   "Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us."
   (Romans 8:37, NKJV)
3. I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
   "For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well."
   (Psalm 139:13-14, NKJV)

Putting It into Practice:

1. Daily Affirmations: Start each day by speaking these affirmations aloud. Let them be the first words you hear each morning, grounding your day in the truth of who you are in Christ.
2. Meditate on Scripture: Spend time whenever possible reflecting on the Bible verses connected to these affirmations. Write them down (I like 3x5 cards), memorize them, and allow God's Word to renew your mind and transform your self-image.
3. Replace Negative Thoughts: When a negative thought or fear arises, immediately counter it with one of these affirmations. Remember that "we demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5, NIV). Reject any thoughts that contradict what God says about you.
4. Pray with Purpose: Incorporate these affirmations into your prayer life. Thank God for who He has made you to be and ask for His strength to live out this truth daily.
5. Share Your Experience and Encourage Others: Share your testimony, the word of God, and these affirmations with others who may be struggling with their self-image. Encourage them with the truth of God’s Word and the power of positive, faith-filled declarations.
6. Give God All the Glory: As you walk this out, always remember it is not about you but all about Him. God alone has given us His grace that enables us to change into the person He has called us to be.

By actively speaking and believing these biblical affirmations, you align your thoughts, words, and actions with God's truth. This alignment is the foundation for a renewed mind and a victorious Christian life. Remember, you are fearfully and wonderfully made, a beloved child of God, and equipped for every good work He has prepared for you.

Take this action plan to heart and begin each day with these truths. Let them guide your thoughts, shape your self-image, and empower you to live in the fullness of your identity in Christ. As you renew your mind daily, you will experience the transformative power of living victoriously through God's Word.

Your words are a testament to who you are in Christ—use them to proclaim His truth, build your faith, and live out His divine calling.