The World Even Rejects the Perfect: Finding Your Identity in Christ Alone (ft. Michelle Ling)

“Maybe people will like me more if I was more…”

Fill in the blank.

Does it sound familiar?

Let’s be honest here. Every single girl out there has been exposed to the truth that she isn’t enough. She has experienced what it is like to look at herself in the mirror and wish she was smarter, prettier, or just all round more perfect. And she thinks to herself, “maybe if I was more ____ people would love me more and maybe they would accept me more”.

You weren’t created to measure up to the standards of the world and you weren’t created to be perfect.
Michelle ling

From the moment we looked upon a magazine and pinched ourselves in disgust, the second we cried in the bathroom stalls because our friends had left us out, or the day a boy left our hearts high and dry, there have been so many instances in our lives when we’re smacked in the face with the harsh reality that we are not enough.

To this girl, I am giving you an air hug right now! I have been there. And I get it. It’s hard to live in a world where you constantly feel like you don’t measure up. But here’s the tough truth. You weren’t created to measure up to the standards of the world and you weren’t created to be perfect. You were created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) to be His hands and feet, and we were created through Him for Him. (Colossians 1:16).

The World Even Rejects the Perfect

Seriously.

Jesus, the living, breathing definition of perfection was praised one day by those around Him and within that same day, He would also have people plotting His death. Sounds extreme, but if the world still hates someone who was literally faultless in all ways, how can we expect the whole world to love us if we became ‘more perfect’?

If Jesus had placed his identity in the approval of the world, in the face of such fierce opposition, hate and persecution, He would have never been able to carry out the plans God had for Him. He would have run away the moment someone tried to attack Him. But because His identity was in His Father’s promises alone, today we are able to experience the grace and love that God has set aside for us.

When our identity is placed in something that shakes when there is the slightest breeze, we will be walking on very rocky terrains – and without a doubt, we will fall flat on our face. I should know because in my own pride, I placed my identity on so many wrong things. From achieving perfect grades to being a girl who tried so hard to make everyone happy, I was placing my identity in being perfect.

The danger with all this was that the moment my grades slipped, or I had a conflict with someone or I accidentally lost my grace, I fell into a pit of despair. I felt lost and totally out of control. But, through the grace of God and the lessons that He placed in my life, I slowly and gradually learned that nothing ever beats the stability that the cross gives me.

The Promises of the Cross

You were not made to be perfect. You were not made to set your identity in anyone or anything else other than Him. Because let’s face it. You will undoubtedly let yourself down. But the good news? He never does.

“There is no one holy like the Lord, Indeed, there is no one besides You, Nor is there any rock like our God.
SAMUEL 2:2 NIV

I have had people tell me that they loved my laugh and within moments had people tell me that I laughed too much. I have had people tell me that I was pretty and seconds later had people pointing out my physical flaws. I have had people tell me that I was smart and clever, but the next day I came back with a test result which just showed where I was lacking.

But I know that I shouldn’t be placing my identity in anything else other than the word of God. And who He says I am. So look deep into the Bible and see what He says about you! He says that you are worthy of being saved. He says that you are a child of the light (Ephesians 5:8) and the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13). He says that you are worth more than rubies (Proverbs 3:15) and He says that you are His heirs (Romans 8:17).

The POWERFUL words from the mouth of the Lord our God tells you who you are. No words from anyone else can ever tell you who you are – nor should you let it! For one day, someone might just praise you and think that you are great. But within that exact same day, someone might just spread hate to you.

When we place our foundations on the solid rock of God, we will be able to stand up straight, live freely and speak truth joyfully knowing that our identity is safe in His promises. This is because His promises have already been made true to you from the moment Jesus died on that cross for your sins.

We are not perfect. We are not enough. Not now and not ever. But, when we invite the Lord into our lives, we will be inviting a steadfast anchor to take a hold of our shaky selves.

So What Now?

You are so loved. So seen. So understood. And so accepted by the one who created you! Take heart that you aren’t what the world says that you are, but you are the unshakeable promises that God has spoken over you. So for now and for always, remember exactly who He says you are! Tell me, have you been holding onto anything other than the promises of the cross for your identity?

This post was written by Michelle Ling of Truthfully, Michelle.

Michelle Ling

Founder, Truthfully, Michelle

Michelle is the creator behind Truthfully, Michelle, a Christian blog for young women seeking truth in a world driven by culture. She loves pumpkin spiced lattes, teacup pups and is never opposed to dancing under the streetlights at night! You can also find her at on Instagram @truthfully_michelle, Pinterest @truthfullymichelle and be part of her FB Group for young women @girlsaftertruth where they tackle relevant life issues modern Christian girls face today.