Your Greatest Identity

Created in His Image: Understanding Our True Identity.

Genesis 1:27 (NIV): "So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”

Recently, I was listening to an old podcast by Elizabeth Elliot, where she shared a perspective on a familiar verse that I had never considered before. She spoke about how every part of creation worships God in the way it was designed to. The birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, even your cuddly golden doodle or fluffy cat—all of them worship the Lord according to the way He made them. Elizabeth pointed out that everything created worships God according to His plan, except for humans and angels. Men, women, and angels are the only beings created to worship God who also have the ability to choose not to.

This idea led me to reflect on Genesis 1, where I was struck by a phrase repeated at the end of several verses: “according to their likeness.” Fish were formed according to the likeness of other fish; birds were crafted according to the likeness of other birds; stars were hung in the sky according to their kind. But when the Creator completed His work and called it good, He crowned creation with something unique—something made according to His own likeness. God saw the world He had formed and called it good but saw it still incomplete. He desired to create man and woman in His likeness, “in His image He created them.”

The Impact on Our Mental Health

So, what does this have to do with your mental health? I would argue that it has everything to do with it. However, since I haven’t had enough coffee today and you presumably don’t have hours to read my thoughts on how being made in the image of God should transform our hearts, minds and lives, let’s focus on just one idea. Consider this amazing concept of being made in His image and pair it with the biblical directive of “seeking first His kingdom.”

When we begin to truly understand that we are made in God's image, it can’t help but change the way we see ourselves and others. It means something radical…that our value isn't based on our accomplishments, appearance, or how others perceive us—our worth is absolutely inherent because we reflect the Creator Himself. This understanding can profoundly impact our mental health by freeing us from the relentless pressures of perfectionism, comparison, and self-doubt. Pairing this with the principle of "seeking first His kingdom" (Matthew 6:33) invites us to shift our focus from our own anxieties and desires to God's purposes. Seeking His kingdom means aligning our priorities with His—loving others, living justly, and pursuing peace. It also means trusting that as we focus on His will, He will somehow take care of our needs. This mindset, when deeply embraced can bring peace like nothing else can, in the midst of life's chaos, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles and that our lives have a purpose beyond what we can see.

The Battle for Our Identity

If you've journeyed with me through my previous blogs, we've explored disordered eating, body image struggles, and the debilitating patterns of negative self-talk. I've aimed to provide relatable stories, actionable steps, and helpful resources, all while trying to instill hope in your weary heart. I stand by all of that. However, I would be remiss if I didn’t metaphorically take you by the shoulders, look you in the eyes, and make sure you grasp this above all else—more important than psychological practices, theories, or self-help insights—is your understanding of who the God of the Bible truly is.

To the extent you know, especially in your heart, who God is, your problems will invariably diminish in size, and your sense of worth will grow immeasurably. That is a great ratio! I believe the God who formed the world sent His Son to die for you, to redeem you, and to enable you to live with Him in eternity. Please don’t just skim over this truth. Don’t allow the greatest miracle in history to be a falsehood in your mind, or a mere routine thought in your soul. Don’t let the love that compelled Jesus to leave His riches in heaven, to live on this earth being slandered, hated, and ultimately crucified for you, languish as a secondary idea in your heart.

Recognizing the Enemy's Lies

When we read Genesis 3, we see how masterfully the enemy tempted Adam and Eve, and how, in one excruciating decision they went from living without shame to feeling so much shame that they hid from the One who made them. The devil didn’t take their innocence away by force; he did it by corrupting their perspective of God’s character. “Did God really say…?” In that single moment, Adam and Eve doubted the goodness of God, and in that doubt, they brought about a heartbreak far greater than they could have ever imagined. Like Adam and Eve, when our focus subtly shifts from God's eternal truth to the fleeting and deceptive promises of this fallen world, our sense of identity and worth plummet in the deadly sea of comparison.

The enemy, often credited with being crafty, is actually far less wise than he would have us believe. He continues to lure, tempt, and destroy soul after precious soul using the same old tactics—enticing us to find our value in what the world offers rather than in who God is and what He has done for us. Now, as a mental health therapist, I want to be clear: I am not criticizing you for your struggles or suggesting that if you simply had more faith, you would be free from them. Those are just more lies from the enemy. I believe in miracles and know that God can heal in an instant, but I also believe that God uses all things—the good, the bad, and the ugly—for His purposes. Sometimes, like Paul, instead of being healed of our thorns, we are told, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

Remember Who God Is

I’m also not saying that correcting your view of God will instantly heal you and remove all your struggles. What I am saying is that for you, especially as a Christian, you actually have a real and unseen enemy who hates you and gladly seeks to destroy you (John 10:10). So, when lies start to invade your mind—telling you that you’re not good enough, that you’re too far gone, too broken, undeserving of love or healing, and without worth—that is your clarion call to remember who your God is! Remember the cross! Remember that when God saw all that He had made and called it good, He desired man and woman above all. He desires you. Promise.

When you look in the mirror and are tempted to despise what you see, when you’re tempted to log on to that website, to steal, lie, cheat, or doubt the goodness of God, please remember who He is. He is the very God who saw us in our brokenness, while we were still His enemies, and sent His Son to die the most agonizing death for us. He is the God who came in the person of Jesus Christ and poured out His blood for you. In order to find true freedom and healing in this world, we must remember who God is.

Moving Forward in Healing

So, where do we go from here? The journey of mental and spiritual healing is not an easy one, and it’s certainly not something we can do alone. But it starts with a shift in perspective—one that places God at the center of our identity and our struggles. Recognize that the battles you face, whether they be with self-worth, temptation, or deep-seated pain, are not just physical or emotional; they are also spiritual. The enemy wants nothing more than to keep you shackled by lies and doubts about your worth and God's goodness.

But you don’t have to fight these battles in your own strength. The God who created you in His image and calls you His own is with you, (Matthew 28:20) empowering you through His Spirit. He knows your pain, He sees your struggles, and He offers you grace upon grace. As you walk through this process, remember that healing doesn’t always come in an instant, but that doesn’t diminish its power or significance. Sometimes, God uses the very struggles we face to draw us closer to Him, to deepen our dependence on His grace, and to refine us into the people He created us to be.

Practical Steps to Renew Your Mind

Take practical steps to renew your mind and reinforce your identity in Christ. Immerse yourself in God’s Word, surround yourself with a supportive community, and don’t be afraid to seek professional help that aligns with your faith. When the enemy whispers his lies, stand firm in the truth of who God is and who He says you are.

In the end, like A.W. Tozer said, what comes into your mind when you think about God is indeed the most important thing about you. Let who God is be anchored in the truth of His love, His sacrifice, and His unchanging character. Your worth is not found in the fleeting opinions of the world but in the eternal love of the One who gave everything to bring you back to Himself. Actively seek to rest in that truth, and let it be the foundation for your healing, your identity, and your hope.