Identity Theft - A Book Review

This article was first published in French at TPSG.

Identity has become a hot topic in our day. So many believers in general, and women in particular, struggle to understand who they are in Christ. One aspect of our identity many women find their hope in is marriage. Our roles as mothers can become the place where we find our significance, our raison d'être. Yet, as I argue in an article I wrote on woman as helper, my main identity marker cannot be that of wife and mother, because these are temporary, ephemeral. One tragic accident could leave me childless and widowed. Would such an unthinkable event render me any less of a woman or daughter of God?

Other women may define themselves based on their professional achievements. Their significance thus resides in their accomplishments. This, too, provides a shaky foundation on which to build a life, as a physical or intellectual setback could render all of one’s efforts vain. 

For others, the lack of a life partner may cloud every aspect of their lives, casting a shadow of pain, loneliness, and even failure. But in every case, the antidote is the same: To look to the Gospel to determine who we are. We've been adopted by the King of heaven and brought into union with his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. We’ve been brought into the family of God. That is our truest self and the only path to eternal peace and joy. 

A Necessary Reminder to All

In the opening chapter of this edited volume, Melissa Kruger articulates that the book's main emphasis is not who we are specifically as women, since much ink has been spilt of late on that subject. Rather, the purpose of Identity Theft is to help us better grasp who we are in Christ. And that, friends, is something we all could need to hear. For this reason, although it's a book written by women with a primarily female audience in mind, even male readers would benefit from its truths.

Identity from Three Angles

Each chapter considers our identity in three ways:

1. Identity Theft: Highlights the ways in which various cultural and personal influences have stolen or distorted identity. This section serves to acknowledge the challenges and obstacles that we must overcome in order to fully embrace our true identity in Christ.

2. Identity Truth: Focuses on the biblical and theological foundations of our identity as Christians. This section provides readers with a clear understanding of our identity in Christ grounded in a solid theological framework.

3. Identity Transformed: Discusses the practical applications of our restored identity in various areas of life, such as vocation, community, and the body. This section helps readers to see how our identity in Christ transforms and impacts every aspect of our lives and provides guidance for how to live in light of this truth.

10 Truths about our Identity

Melissa Kruger has assembled some of the most gifted and wise women Bible teachers I know. Each of them addresses one of the following aspects of our identity with a biblical framework:

1. Chapter 1 - Free: Rescued by Grace

Explores the freedom we have in Christ and the grace that rescues us from sin and shame.

2. Chapter 2 - Reflection: Made in God's Image

Examines the importance of understanding ourselves as made in God's image and the challenges that come with this.

3. Chapter 3 - Child: Beloved by the Father

Considers the idea of being a child of God and our unconditional love and acceptance of our heavenly Father.

4. Chapter 4 - Saint: Redeemed by the Son

Explores the concept of being a saint and the holy calling we have as followers of Christ.

5. Chapter 5 - Fruitful: Filled with the Holy Spirit

Examines the idea of living a fruitful life that is empowered by the Holy Spirit and has meaning and purpose.

6. Chapter 6 - Member: Connected to the Church

Considers the importance of being part of the body of Christ and the impact this has on our identity and purpose.

7. Chapter 7 - Beautiful: Clothed in Splendor

Explores the concept of being made in God's image and the beauty that comes from reflecting his image.

8. Chapter 8 - Servant: Reaping a Reward

Considers the idea of being a servant and following Christ's example of servanthood.

9. Chapter 9 – Worshipper: Shining Brightly in the Darkness

Discusses how knowing that I am a worshiper helps me direct my worship to the one person who is worthy.

10. Chapter 10 - Citizen: Longing for Home

Examines the tension of being a citizen of both the kingdom of God and the world and the longing for our true home with Christ.

Conclusion

If you or a woman you know has been struggling to find her identity in Christ, I highly recommend this book. Teens and young women bombarded by the culture with questions about who they are may especially benefit from its short, readable chapters. You can find it here.