• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About
    • Meet Our Team
  • Blog
    • Spiritual Growth
    • Bible Study
    • Christian Living
  • Resources
    • Bible Study Workbook
    • Easter Devotional
    • New Christian Guide: Start Here If You Are Looking For Resources to Help You Grow in Your Faith
  • Shop
  • Contact
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
Daily She Pursues

Daily She Pursues

Pursuing the One who first pursued me

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

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

June 1, 2020 | by Guest Author Christian Living

Pink graphic image with overlay of a woman with text "How to Find Your Identity in Christ Alone (ft. Michelle Ling)"
Multicolor graphic image with a photo of woman holding flowers with text "The world even rejects the perfect: finding your identity in Christ alone"

“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). 

Related: How to Find God’s Calling for You

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. 

Related: How to Find Your Identity in Christ

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. 

Related Articles
  • Your Identity is in Christ and Not In Your Mistakes
  • 5 Powerful Truths About Your Identity in Christ
  • 25 Bible Verses About Your Identity in Christ
  • What Does it Mean to Be A Daughter of God and Why Does it Matter

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. 

    Share this:

    • Twitter
    • Facebook

    June 1, 2020 · 3 Comments

    Catch up on the latest posts

    • What Does it Mean to Use God’s Name in Vain?
    • What Is the Cost of Following Jesus?
    • The Road To Emmaus: The Need for Faith In Suffering
    • 47 Christmas Gift Ideas for the Christian Women In Your Life
    • Surrendering to the God of Hope When All Seems Lost

    Loved the article? Sign up for the newsletter for more!

    Previous Post: « How to Stop Being A People Pleaser
    Next Post: What Christians Should Know About Biblical Justice and the Gospel »

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a ReplyCancel reply

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Comments

    1. Cathy says

      July 12, 2020 at 8:33 pm

      Thank you for this article. It’s just what I needed to read right now.

      Reply
    2. lamia says

      July 29, 2020 at 3:55 pm

      absolutely loved it!

      Reply
      • Shanté Grossett says

        August 2, 2020 at 8:33 pm

        Glad to hear that Lamia!

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    Hi there! I’m Shanté, the founder of Daily She Pursues. I am passionate about teaching women how to pursue the heart of God by studying his word, spending time in prayer, and committing to a daily walk with the Lord! I am currently working on a Master’s Degree in Biblical Studies and some of my favorite things include tea, journaling, art museums, essential oils, and thrift shopping. Read More…

    Cultivate A Deeper Relationship With Christ

    Want to pursue God with us?

    Products

    • The 12-Week Jesus Bible Study: Readings and Reflections for Women to Grow Closer to Christ $14.99 $14.00
    • Reflections From the Holy Land: Inspiring Devotions on the Life of Christ (Ebook) $5.00
    • Faithful: Recalling the Goodness of the Lord (Ebook) $10.00
    • A Study of Ephesians: Live Out Your Identity in Christ (Ebook)
      Rated 4.75 out of 5
      $10.00
    • When You Are Waiting on God: 7 Devotions to Encourage and Strengthen Your Faith in the Waiting (EBook) $5.00

    Search by Category

    Recent Posts

    • What Does it Mean to Use God’s Name in Vain?
    • What Is the Cost of Following Jesus?
    • The Road To Emmaus: The Need for Faith In Suffering
    • 47 Christmas Gift Ideas for the Christian Women In Your Life
    • Surrendering to the God of Hope When All Seems Lost

    Footer

    dailyshepursues

    by Shanté Grossett O’Neal | Christian Blog
    This Thursday 9/14 at 8 AM EST, I have the opportu This Thursday 9/14 at 8 AM EST, I have the opportunity to speak with Liv Dooley (@candidliv), Christian Author, Bible Teacher, and Podcaster, about the Imprecatory Psalms. We're going to be diving into what they are and what Christians should know about praying these psalms. 

If you've ever wondered about these psalms, please join us on Instagram Live on Thursday. 

All you'll need to do is log into the app on Thursday at 8 AM and go to @dailyshepursues. There will be a notification that we are Live and you'll be able to click and join.

Looking forward to having this conversation with Liv!
    Prayer is one of the ways in which we connect with Prayer is one of the ways in which we connect with and hear from God. Yet, approaching God in prayer can feel daunting. 

The good news is that Jesus taught us how to pray. 

Consider applying the Lord’s Prayer as you structure your prayer time. 

Swipe to see how! ➡️
    Some thoughts on why we struggle to cultivate a re Some thoughts on why we struggle to cultivate a relationship with God, and God’s response to us when we do. ♥️

#christianblog #christianwomen #christianwriters #devotionalforwomen #christianwomencommunity #womenwholovejesus #womenoffaith #womenofGod #lampandlight #christiancommunity #biblestudy #shereadstruth #jesusfollower❤️ #dailydevotional #dailydevotionsforwomen #christianwriting #christianministries #christianministry #womensministries #womenintheology #readingthegospels #readingscripture #womenreadingscripture
    Thomas often gets a bad rap in church history. He’s forever known as “doubting Thomas.” I find that humorous because Thomas did what most of us would have done in the situation. He wanted to see for himself that Jesus had truly resurrected from the grave.

Jesus was kind to Thomas. He paid a visit to the house Thomas and the other disciples were in, and he showed Thomas the scars in his hands and in his side. 

In John 20:27, Jesus says, “Stop doubting and believe.” 

I imagine that his voice was kind and tender. After showing Thomas the evidence, he invited him to believe.

Doubting doesn’t make you a bad Christian. Doubting is human, and like Thomas, God meets us in our doubt. He does not scoff at us or turn us away, he simply reminds us of the truth. 

Isn’t that such a beautiful thing?

—— 

On another note, I’m now offering copies of The 12 Week Jesus Bible Study via dailyshepursues.com. I just got 20 new copies this week, if you want one, they’re available at the link in my bio! 

#christianblog #christianwomen #christianwriters #devotionalforwomen #christianwomencommunity #womenwholovejesus #womenoffaith #womenofGod #lampandlight #christiancommunity #biblestudy #shereadstruth #jesusfollower❤️ #dailydevotional #dailydevotionsforwomen #christianwriting #christianministries #christianministry #womensministries #womenintheology #readingthegospels #readingscripture #womenreadingscripture
    I’m still figuring out how to keep plants alive. I’m still figuring out how to keep plants alive. I love them but they don’t always love me. 😅

The other day, my mom advised me to prune away the dead and wilted flowers of my Kalanchoe plant. It had been doing okay for a while but lately, it began to not look so great. 

Of course, this reminded me of how God is with us as Christians. Pruning is an important part of our sanctification process. 

Jesus tells us that God prunes us so that we can bear more fruit. Ultimately, without pruning, our spiritual lives wither and eventually die. If this happens, how can we abide in Christ?

Pruning can be painful, but God doesn’t prune us to harm us — he does it for our growth. He loves us. And the pruning won’t last forever, this is only a season. 
 

#christianwriter #dailyshepursues #christianwritingcommunity #christianwritersofinstagram #christianwomen #christianwalk #biblestudynotes #biblestudy #shewritestruth #christianreels #shereadstruth #butfirstjesus #womenofgrace #womensministries #faithblogger #faithquotes
    Some thoughts on unmet needs and desires because I Some thoughts on unmet needs and desires because I know what it feels like, and I know so many people are dealing with this right now. ♥️

Swipe to read.

P.S. — one of the weeks in my 12 week devotional is devoted to this topic so if you struggle in this area, I’d recommend checking it out. The link is in my bio. 

P.P.S — when I say unmet needs, I am referring to things that are really important and feel like ultimate needs. I believe that God does supply all of our needs (but not necessarily the things we feel are needs). 

#christianblog #biblestudy #dailydevotional #christianliving #bibleverse #christianwomen #womenwholovejesus #womenoffaith #womenintheword #lampandlight #hertrueworth #christianquotes #christianwriters #dailydevotional #devotionsforwomen #womeninthebible #biblescripture
    Load More... Follow on Instagram
    • About
    • Blog
    • Shop
    • What We Believe
    • Privacy Policy

    Copyright © 2023 · Daily She Pursues