November 29, 2025 • 15 mins
Many of us are carrying labels that never came from God — labels shaped by culture, past experiences, pressure, expectations, and even our own thoughts. But God’s Word tells a very different story. In this first episode of the Your True Identity series, Vee uncovers what it truly means to find your identity in Christ instead of in the world’s systems, standards, and definitions.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- What Scripture really means when it refers to “the world”
- How worldly systems quietly shape your identity, worth, and self-view
- The false labels we often accept without realizing it
- Why your true identity begins in Genesis 1:27 — in the image of God
- How identity impacts your health, finances, career, relationships, and emotional life
- How to recognize when you’ve been living from performance instead of God’s truth
- Reflection questions to help you realign with who God says you are
If you’ve ever struggled with feeling “not enough,” with people-pleasing, performance, comparison, or believing labels formed in pain — this episode invites you back to God’s original design for your life.
Your identity is not earned.
It’s received.
And when you begin living from that truth, everything shifts.
Subscribe to Pathway to Freedom by The Life By Design wherever you listen to podcasts.
If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend so they can be reminded of who they are in Christ.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker (00:00):
Hello and welcome to Pathway to Freedom by the Life
by Design.
I'm your host, VirireaderHarry, also known as Vee, and
I'm so glad you're here.
This podcast is a space for usto uncover God's original
blueprint for life so you canwalk in the freedom he intended
for you from the very beginning.
(00:22):
Each week we'll explore faith,family, finances, health,
purpose, and much more.
Why?
Because you were created in hisimage on purpose and for
purpose.
Be sure to follow so you nevermiss an episode.
Hi, my name is Virireader, butfeel free to call me Vee.
(00:46):
I am so glad you're here.
This space is about learning tolive free, grounded in truth,
anchored in faith, and alignedwith who God created you to be.
Each episode is a journeytoward wholeness, renewal, and
deeper understanding in Christ.
Welcome to Pathway to Freedomby the Life by Design.
(01:09):
I'm truly honored to have youwith me today, and I am super
excited.
We are beginning a powerfulfour-part series called Your
True Identity.
And the truth is, many of ushave been living under labels
that never came from God.
Labels handed to us by culture,by our past, by people, and
(01:32):
even by our own thoughts.
But God's word tells us adifferent story, one rooted in
truth, in purpose, and freedom.
Today, in part one, identity inGod versus identity in the
world, we're going to beexploring how the identity you
embrace shapes every part ofyour life, your health, your
(01:57):
finances, your career, yourrelationships, and even your
sense of value.
So if you're ready to releasethe labels that were never meant
to define you and step into whoGod says you are, you're in the
right place.
Let's walk this journeytogether.
We're gonna begin at the verybeginning, Genesis chapter 1,
(02:21):
verse 27.
So God created mankind in hisown image.
In the image of God, he createdthem.
Male and female, he createdthem.
Listen to that.
See, your identity begins righthere in the image of God, not
(02:46):
in what you do, not in yourrelationship status, not in your
weight, not in your personalitycolor.
I'm a red, I'm green, I'm blue.
You know what I'm talkingabout.
That label, not in what youhave, not in what you have been
(03:07):
through, not in the mistakesyou've made, not in the roles
you hold.
Identity begins in creation,not performance.
Being made in his image meansyou carry his nature, reflect
(03:27):
his heart, reveal his character,and walk in his authority.
We were designed forrelationship, not religion.
To live as beloved sons anddaughters, to live in intimacy
with the Father, our Creator.
But here's where many of us gettripped up.
(03:49):
We hear the word the world andimmediately think of people,
culture, or the physicalcreation around us.
Yet that's not what scriptureis talking about at all.
This part is truly important inunderstanding identity and how
(04:09):
it all comes together.
Understanding our identity alsomeans recognizing the influence
that tried to shape it.
So before we go deeper, let'sslow down for a moment and look
carefully at what the Bibletruly means when it uses the
word the world.
Because the definition thedefinition may surprise you, and
(04:32):
it matters deeply how you seeyourself.
When scripture talks about theworld, it's referring to a
system, a mindset shaped by thefall, a way of thinking rooted
in self-reliance and striving,fueled by fear, comparison, and
performance, a pattern of livingthat leaves God out.
(04:57):
A system based on self-effort,pride, pressure, people
pleasing, proving yourself,earning your worth.
The world says do more, bemore, earn more, impress more.
But God says, You are mine, youare loved, you are chosen, you
(05:21):
are enough because of me.
It's a mindset shaped by sin,striving, and human effort apart
from God.
It's a system that measuresidentity by what you do, what
you have, and who approves ofyou.
Scripture reminds us in 1 Johnchapter 2, verses 15 through 16.
(05:44):
Do not love the world oranything in the world, for
everything in the world, thelust of the flesh, the lust of
the eyes, and the pride of lifecomes not from the Father, but
from the world.
So when the Bible warns usabout the world, it's gently
inviting us to let go of a falsesystem and return to the truth
(06:09):
of who we already are in Christ.
Loved, secured, and defined byour Father, not by culture.
What the world says versus whatGod says.
The world hands us identitiesall the time, and often we
repeat them over ourselveswithout even realizing it.
(06:30):
Maybe you said things like, youknow, I'm always anxious,
that's just who I am.
I never follow through.
I am a procrastinator.
I have to keep going.
I'm a workaholic.
Sometimes it feels like thepain I've experienced has
permanently disqualified me fromever being whole or fully
(06:50):
restored.
It is what it is.
I'm nothing special.
I am just average.
I feel like who I am ismeasured by how much I work, how
well I perform, or howsuccessful others think I am.
I am only as valuable as mywork, my performance, and how
(07:13):
others see me.
It feels like no matter howmuch I grow or change, my past
is the loudest voice trying totell me who I am.
I am defined by my past and Ican never rise above it.
These become labels that shapehow we see ourselves and how we
(07:35):
behave.
You see that?
You get it?
You see, if I say I'm awarrior, then I'll live in
anxiety.
If I say I'm a procrastinator,I'll stay stuck.
Remember, I can't never getnothing done.
If I say I'm a workaholic, I'lljustify burnout instead of
(07:55):
rest.
But here's the truth those arenot your God-given identities.
They are false labels.
Romans chapter 8, verses 15through 16 tells us, you
received God's spirit when headopted you as his own children.
(08:15):
Now we call him Abba Father,for his spirit joins with our
spirit to affirm that we areGod's children.
God never calls you a warrior,he calls you his child.
God never calls you aprocrastinator.
He says you are equipped forevery good work.
(08:36):
God never calls you aworkaholic, he invites you to
rest in him.
You are not defined by what youdo or by the labels you've
worn.
You are defined by who he saysyou are.
Let's go over a few areas oflife and just kind of, you know,
look at the different examples.
(08:58):
Let's look at health.
The world says your body imagedefines your worth, but God says
your body is his temple.
That means we don't punishourselves with food or let
cravings control us.
We choose health as an act ofhonor.
Man shall not live by breadalone, reminds us that food
(09:21):
doesn't own us.
Our life is sustained by God.
Let's look at wealth.
The world says money equalsstatus, but your identity in
Christ says you are a steward.
You don't have to compareyourself to anyone else's
lifestyle.
Instead, you walk in wisdom,knowing God supplies all of your
(09:45):
needs and equips you to managewealth with kingdom purpose.
Let's look at career.
The world tells you that yourtitle, your resume, or your
achievements define you.
But in Christ, you are morethan your job description.
You are called, gifted, andequipped.
(10:08):
Work becomes worship, not atreadmill of proving yourself.
Let's look at relationships.
The world says your worthdepends on how many people like
you or if you're accepted.
But God says you are alreadychosen, already loved, already
enough.
Identity gives you the freedomto stop people pleasing and
(10:33):
start building real healthyconnections.
Let's look at value, the heartof it all.
At the end of the day, theworld will always try to attach
your value to performance,possessions, or popularity.
But God says your value wassettled at the cross.
(10:56):
Nothing you add can make himlove you more, and nothing you
lose can make him love you less.
As we step back from everythingwe've explored today, I want to
give you a moment to lookinward with God.
So as you listen to thesereflection questions, let them
(11:25):
help you search your heart,realign with truth, and
recognize where the world hasbeen influencing you and where
God is calling you higher.
Please take your time and don'trush through these reflection
questions.
Number one, where have I beenletting the world define me in
(11:46):
health, wealth, career, orrelationships or any other part
of your life?
Here's some food for thought.
Am I allowing culture,comparison, or other people's
expectations to tell me who Ishould be?
Instead of letting God's wordanchor my identity?
Have I mistaken spiritualactivity for intimacy, filling
(12:09):
my schedule with things for Godwhile missing the invitation to
actually walk with Him?
Number two, what false label doI need to let go of today?
Food for thought.
Am I clinging to labels thatwere formed in hurt, pressure,
or past experiences?
Names like disappointing toGod, I'm barely saved, always
(12:34):
messing up, I'm the strong onewho can't fall apart, the one
who has to hold everythingtogether, or even life is harder
for me because my fatherabandoned me and I never had a
father figure.
And in holding on to theselabels, have I been trying to
prove myself, push throughalone, or caring more than God
(12:59):
ever intended?
Instead of resting in the truthof who I truly am in Christ and
the identity He freely givesme.
Number three, what does it meanfor me to live as someone
created in God's image?
Food for thought.
If I truly am created in God'simage, does my faith shape the
(13:21):
hidden parts of my life as muchas the visible ones?
Or only the moments people see?
Let me say that again.
Does my faith shape the hiddenparts of my life as much as the
visible ones?
Or only the moments that peoplecan see?
Are my choices flowing fromlove, gratitude, and a desire to
(13:46):
honor God?
Or from fear, guilt, or thepressure to appear put together?
What would shift in my dailylife if I lived with the
awareness that His presence goeswith me everywhere, not just
into the church building?
In closing, identity is notsomething you earn or achieve,
(14:11):
it's something you receive.
And when you live from thattruth, every area of your life
begins to shift.
This week I challenge you.
Write down one area of yourlife where you've been believing
the world's definition andreplace it with what God says
about you.
And if this message spoke toyou, don't keep it to yourself.
(14:34):
Share this episode with someonewho needs a reminder of who
they are in Christ.
Be sure to subscribe so youdon't miss part two of this
series, breaking free from falselabels and lies.
Thank you for tuning in to thePathway to Freedom by the Life
by Design, where we rediscoverGod's original blueprint for our
(14:59):
lives because you were createdin his image on purpose and for
purpose.
Until next time, walk boldly inhis design.
If today's episode encouragedyou, be sure to like, subscribe,
and share it with someone whoneeds this message.
(15:19):
Until next time, walk boldly inhis design and embrace the
freedom he intended for you.
Hello and welcome to Pathway to Freedom by the Life
by Design.
I'm your host, VirireaderHarry, also known as Vee, and
I'm so glad you're here.
This podcast is a space for usto uncover God's original
blueprint for life so you canwalk in the freedom he intended
for you from the very beginning.
(00:22):
Each week we'll explore faith,family, finances, health,
purpose, and much more.
Why?
Because you were created in hisimage on purpose and for
purpose.
Be sure to follow so you nevermiss an episode.
Hi, my name is Virireader, butfeel free to call me Vee.
(00:46):
I am so glad you're here.
This space is about learning tolive free, grounded in truth,
anchored in faith, and alignedwith who God created you to be.
Each episode is a journeytoward wholeness, renewal, and
deeper understanding in Christ.
Welcome to Pathway to Freedomby the Life by Design.
(01:09):
I'm truly honored to have youwith me today, and I am super
excited.
We are beginning a powerfulfour-part series called Your
True Identity.
And the truth is, many of ushave been living under labels
that never came from God.
Labels handed to us by culture,by our past, by people, and
(01:32):
even by our own thoughts.
But God's word tells us adifferent story, one rooted in
truth, in purpose, and freedom.
Today, in part one, identity inGod versus identity in the
world, we're going to beexploring how the identity you
embrace shapes every part ofyour life, your health, your
(01:57):
finances, your career, yourrelationships, and even your
sense of value.
So if you're ready to releasethe labels that were never meant
to define you and step into whoGod says you are, you're in the
right place.
Let's walk this journeytogether.
We're gonna begin at the verybeginning, Genesis chapter 1,
(02:21):
verse 27.
So God created mankind in hisown image.
In the image of God, he createdthem.
Male and female, he createdthem.
Listen to that.
See, your identity begins righthere in the image of God, not
(02:46):
in what you do, not in yourrelationship status, not in your
weight, not in your personalitycolor.
I'm a red, I'm green, I'm blue.
You know what I'm talkingabout.
That label, not in what youhave, not in what you have been
(03:07):
through, not in the mistakesyou've made, not in the roles
you hold.
Identity begins in creation,not performance.
Being made in his image meansyou carry his nature, reflect
(03:27):
his heart, reveal his character,and walk in his authority.
We were designed forrelationship, not religion.
To live as beloved sons anddaughters, to live in intimacy
with the Father, our Creator.
But here's where many of us gettripped up.
(03:49):
We hear the word the world andimmediately think of people,
culture, or the physicalcreation around us.
Yet that's not what scriptureis talking about at all.
This part is truly important inunderstanding identity and how
(04:09):
it all comes together.
Understanding our identity alsomeans recognizing the influence
that tried to shape it.
So before we go deeper, let'sslow down for a moment and look
carefully at what the Bibletruly means when it uses the
word the world.
Because the definition thedefinition may surprise you, and
(04:32):
it matters deeply how you seeyourself.
When scripture talks about theworld, it's referring to a
system, a mindset shaped by thefall, a way of thinking rooted
in self-reliance and striving,fueled by fear, comparison, and
performance, a pattern of livingthat leaves God out.
(04:57):
A system based on self-effort,pride, pressure, people
pleasing, proving yourself,earning your worth.
The world says do more, bemore, earn more, impress more.
But God says, You are mine, youare loved, you are chosen, you
(05:21):
are enough because of me.
It's a mindset shaped by sin,striving, and human effort apart
from God.
It's a system that measuresidentity by what you do, what
you have, and who approves ofyou.
Scripture reminds us in 1 Johnchapter 2, verses 15 through 16.
(05:44):
Do not love the world oranything in the world, for
everything in the world, thelust of the flesh, the lust of
the eyes, and the pride of lifecomes not from the Father, but
from the world.
So when the Bible warns usabout the world, it's gently
inviting us to let go of a falsesystem and return to the truth
(06:09):
of who we already are in Christ.
Loved, secured, and defined byour Father, not by culture.
What the world says versus whatGod says.
The world hands us identitiesall the time, and often we
repeat them over ourselveswithout even realizing it.
(06:30):
Maybe you said things like, youknow, I'm always anxious,
that's just who I am.
I never follow through.
I am a procrastinator.
I have to keep going.
I'm a workaholic.
Sometimes it feels like thepain I've experienced has
permanently disqualified me fromever being whole or fully
(06:50):
restored.
It is what it is.
I'm nothing special.
I am just average.
I feel like who I am ismeasured by how much I work, how
well I perform, or howsuccessful others think I am.
I am only as valuable as mywork, my performance, and how
(07:13):
others see me.
It feels like no matter howmuch I grow or change, my past
is the loudest voice trying totell me who I am.
I am defined by my past and Ican never rise above it.
These become labels that shapehow we see ourselves and how we
(07:35):
behave.
You see that?
You get it?
You see, if I say I'm awarrior, then I'll live in
anxiety.
If I say I'm a procrastinator,I'll stay stuck.
Remember, I can't never getnothing done.
If I say I'm a workaholic, I'lljustify burnout instead of
(07:55):
rest.
But here's the truth those arenot your God-given identities.
They are false labels.
Romans chapter 8, verses 15through 16 tells us, you
received God's spirit when headopted you as his own children.
(08:15):
Now we call him Abba Father,for his spirit joins with our
spirit to affirm that we areGod's children.
God never calls you a warrior,he calls you his child.
God never calls you aprocrastinator.
He says you are equipped forevery good work.
(08:36):
God never calls you aworkaholic, he invites you to
rest in him.
You are not defined by what youdo or by the labels you've
worn.
You are defined by who he saysyou are.
Let's go over a few areas oflife and just kind of, you know,
look at the different examples.
(08:58):
Let's look at health.
The world says your body imagedefines your worth, but God says
your body is his temple.
That means we don't punishourselves with food or let
cravings control us.
We choose health as an act ofhonor.
Man shall not live by breadalone, reminds us that food
(09:21):
doesn't own us.
Our life is sustained by God.
Let's look at wealth.
The world says money equalsstatus, but your identity in
Christ says you are a steward.
You don't have to compareyourself to anyone else's
lifestyle.
Instead, you walk in wisdom,knowing God supplies all of your
(09:45):
needs and equips you to managewealth with kingdom purpose.
Let's look at career.
The world tells you that yourtitle, your resume, or your
achievements define you.
But in Christ, you are morethan your job description.
You are called, gifted, andequipped.
(10:08):
Work becomes worship, not atreadmill of proving yourself.
Let's look at relationships.
The world says your worthdepends on how many people like
you or if you're accepted.
But God says you are alreadychosen, already loved, already
enough.
Identity gives you the freedomto stop people pleasing and
(10:33):
start building real healthyconnections.
Let's look at value, the heartof it all.
At the end of the day, theworld will always try to attach
your value to performance,possessions, or popularity.
But God says your value wassettled at the cross.
(10:56):
Nothing you add can make himlove you more, and nothing you
lose can make him love you less.
As we step back from everythingwe've explored today, I want to
give you a moment to lookinward with God.
So as you listen to thesereflection questions, let them
(11:25):
help you search your heart,realign with truth, and
recognize where the world hasbeen influencing you and where
God is calling you higher.
Please take your time and don'trush through these reflection
questions.
Number one, where have I beenletting the world define me in
(11:46):
health, wealth, career, orrelationships or any other part
of your life?
Here's some food for thought.
Am I allowing culture,comparison, or other people's
expectations to tell me who Ishould be?
Instead of letting God's wordanchor my identity?
Have I mistaken spiritualactivity for intimacy, filling
(12:09):
my schedule with things for Godwhile missing the invitation to
actually walk with Him?
Number two, what false label doI need to let go of today?
Food for thought.
Am I clinging to labels thatwere formed in hurt, pressure,
or past experiences?
Names like disappointing toGod, I'm barely saved, always
(12:34):
messing up, I'm the strong onewho can't fall apart, the one
who has to hold everythingtogether, or even life is harder
for me because my fatherabandoned me and I never had a
father figure.
And in holding on to theselabels, have I been trying to
prove myself, push throughalone, or caring more than God
(12:59):
ever intended?
Instead of resting in the truthof who I truly am in Christ and
the identity He freely givesme.
Number three, what does it meanfor me to live as someone
created in God's image?
Food for thought.
If I truly am created in God'simage, does my faith shape the
(13:21):
hidden parts of my life as muchas the visible ones?
Or only the moments people see?
Let me say that again.
Does my faith shape the hiddenparts of my life as much as the
visible ones?
Or only the moments that peoplecan see?
Are my choices flowing fromlove, gratitude, and a desire to
(13:46):
honor God?
Or from fear, guilt, or thepressure to appear put together?
What would shift in my dailylife if I lived with the
awareness that His presence goeswith me everywhere, not just
into the church building?
In closing, identity is notsomething you earn or achieve,
(14:11):
it's something you receive.
And when you live from thattruth, every area of your life
begins to shift.
This week I challenge you.
Write down one area of yourlife where you've been believing
the world's definition andreplace it with what God says
about you.
And if this message spoke toyou, don't keep it to yourself.
(14:34):
Share this episode with someonewho needs a reminder of who
they are in Christ.
Be sure to subscribe so youdon't miss part two of this
series, breaking free from falselabels and lies.
Thank you for tuning in to thePathway to Freedom by the Life
by Design, where we rediscoverGod's original blueprint for our
(14:59):
lives because you were createdin his image on purpose and for
purpose.
Until next time, walk boldly inhis design.
If today's episode encouragedyou, be sure to like, subscribe,
and share it with someone whoneeds this message.
(15:19):
Until next time, walk boldly inhis design and embrace the
freedom he intended for you.
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