A CHRISTIAN GUIDE TO AVOIDING IDENTITY CRISIS IN A SHIFTING WORLD

Christian Treasure Devotion

Learn How to Avoid an Identity Crisis as a Christian

Scriptural Reference: Galatians 3:27 (NASB) For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.”

In late 2025, I read a funny yet inspirational story about a motor mechanic in Africa. He had gone out without his workshop uniform, dressed casually and somewhat dirty. Unfortunately for him, a task force was on the street to arrest individuals perceived to be mentally challenged.

What further complicated his situation was his dreadlocked hairstyle and his unkempt appearance. As soon as the task force spotted him, they quickly grabbed him, handcuffed him, and threw him into a waiting bus. Confused about what was happening, he noticed that the other people around him were indeed mentally unstable. He began shouting that he wasn’t one of them—that he was a motor mechanic—but none of the officials paid him any attention.

The officials reasoned that, h were truly in a lucid state, he would soon return to his previous condition. They were about to sedate him when he started screaming even louder, telling them his name, where his workshop was located, and even pulled out his phone for evidence.

To verify his sanity, they asked him the name of the neighborhood he had been picked up from. He promptly explained that he had been shopping for a spare part for a vehicle he was repairing for a client near his workshop but hadn’t found it before he was detained. They then asked him to call his client or a family member. It became clear that he did not belong in a psychiatric facility. The officials eventually let him go with a strict warning to always dress appropriately.

What a lesson! This story is not only inspirational but also educational. It teaches us, as Christians, to know who we are. Just as proper physical dressing is important, spiritual dressing is equally crucial. Let’s look at some examples in Scripture.

How Should Christians Put on Christ-like Clothes?

Our scriptural reference encourages us to resemble Christ not only in outward appearance but also inwardly by cultivating His attitude of compassion, meekness, kindness, and peace with all people. When we embody these virtues, we have put on Christ as a garment, showcasing our identity as His followers. There will be no confusion about whether we belong to Christ or not.

The Senior Pastor of my church once shared his experience while traveling with his family. While in a long queue at the airport lounge, God intervened through one of the officials, allowing him and his family to move forward in line. Though others questioned the perceived favoritism, they were directed to the VIP lounge. While there, an ambassador from a country approached him, extending his hand for a shake and inquiring, “Which country was he representing? The Pastor said, he always dressed appropriately and also the grace of God upon his life makes him look outstanding.

What Are the Lessons for Today?

1. We should represent Christ well in our daily activities.

2. We should carry the aroma of Christ wherever we go (2 Corinthians 2:15).

3. Our conversations should bring happiness to others, not sadness (Colossians 4:6).

4. In 2026, let’s cultivate the habit of reading the Bible, even if it's just for ten minutes each morning before starting our day.

5. Fellowship with fellow believers more frequently, as it is essential; the Bible says, “Iron sharpens iron.”

The summary of today’s devotional reading is that we should avoid an identity crisis by truly embodying what we claim to be in Christ Jesus.

Assignment: Let’s strive to live a life that brings glory to God. Note: Your identity is like Christ.

Prayer: Thank you, Heavenly Father, for your word today. Help me to embody your nature through your mercy, in Jesus’ name, Amen.