I struggled to find my identity in Christ, trying to find my identity in materialistic things of the world. I was so consumed with gaining the “perfect” group of friends that I used alcohol to cope and did things that I’m far from proud of. This ultimately led to comparing my looks and personality to others, detrimental anxiety, and complete emptiness. A few months into this behavior, I sat down with my dad. He asked how I could live this type of life, basing my life and actions off cultural trends, and still call myself a Christian. I realized that the only true fulfillment I could experience was through Jesus.
Gen Z and Identity in Christ
My generation, Gen Z, is more prone to fall into patterns of mental health issues and comparison than any other generation today. McKinsey Health Institute says that previous generations of young people never had to deal with the constant exposure to trends and high standards that Gen Z deals with today. Their research shows that a higher number of Gen Z respondents suffer from negative mental, social, and spiritual health. Gen Z uses social media more frequently than other generations. To confirm this study, Gen Z also says that social media negatively affects their mental health more than other generations. In addition, older generations report fewer negative effects of social media when compared to Gen Z.
Effects of Social Media on Identity in Christ
Social media plays a big role in how Gen Z acts, thinks, and behaves. As for me, I used to base my interests off what was trending on TikTok. Our culture today can easily become so wrapped up in fitting in with the crowd that we can completely miss out on the importance of the Gospel.
Cold Case Christianity says that it isn’t a coincidence that Gen Z experiences higher levels of comparison, depression, and anxiety because of social media’s prevalence. Ultimately, the “more you know about the trouble in the world, the more you will be troubled by it, and the more you compare yourself with others, the more likely you are to suffer by comparison.”
McKinsey Health Institute says, “social media algorithms attempt to anticipate and shape our interests, introducing us to content, ideas, and temptations unavailable to previous generations.” As Gen Z shapes their opinions around content found on social media, it’s easy to slip into temptation and fall farther away from Christ-centered lives. For example, the more time that I spent scrolling online, the less motivation I had to go to church or even call myself a believer. I wanted so desperately to be what society defined as “cool” that I was not giving any attention to what I desperately needed: a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Hope in Christ
Comparison has significantly increased through the prevalence of social media influencers and trends, affecting the mental health of those in Gen Z. But through Christ, hope is activated and hearts are fulfilled. Psalm 16:11 says, “You make known to me the path of life; you fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” Once we truly realize that we are made in Christ’s image, we gain joy and peace that the world can’t give us. It’s from the power of the Holy Spirit alone. We are created for Christ, which is why every time we try to seek our fulfillment in material things, we are left empty. However, with the hope of Christ, we are filled with the abundant joy of His presence.
Identity in Christ Scripture
Christ Jesus wants to free us from any bondage we may experience from placing our worth in anything other than Him. Romans 5:1 says, “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” This is the good news of the Gospel, and it lifts a lot of weight off our shoulders that the world tells us we should carry. Low self-esteem, depression, and neuroticism is seen when we compare ourselves to other people and envy something we seem to not have.
Contrarily, the Bible says that we are made uniquely by God, each possessing different qualities, traits, and things that make each one of us beautiful in His eyes. We also know that everything is in God’s control, and this lifts off a lot of pressure as well. It’s easier said than done to reorient our minds to think this way, but it truly brings the peace that our minds are yearning for.
Christ Scripture Gives us Identity
I’ve always found Matthew chapter 6 to be an important chapter as it applies to Gen Z. There is constant body image issues, problems with comparison, and a general feeling of inadequacy. Especially when it comes to how often we use social media and its effects on us. However, Matthew chapter 6 offers a great deal of solace when these feelings arise. We are reminded of where to lay our treasures because that is where our hearts will be. If we find our treasures in the images of ourselves or others, it can become easy to develop a second master: vanity.
Matthew 6:22-23 tell us this: “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!”
With the pervasive impact that social media has on our minds it becomes increasingly easier to be filled with darkness rather than light. It becomes easier become jealous, envious, or petty. And that is just speaking from personal experience. When these emotions come up it becomes harder to love your neighbor. It becomes harder to cast out judgement. And it becomes harder to exhibit the fruits of the spirit. I have found that what I look at with my eyes correlates directly to my countenance, and, subsequently, my relationship with God. I find it vital to keep my eyes healthy and when it’s hard to do so, revisit this passage.
Verse 24 reminds us again that none of us can have two masters because we will love one and hate the other. Throughout my struggles with comparison and body image issues, I have found myself bouncing between loving and hating myself. This is ultimately because I am putting superficial things on such a high pedestal that they become masters to me. When I have two master, it’s easy to hate the one that realigns me.
Do Not Be Anxious
Something that affects me on a personal level is the unhealthy anxiety I experience with food and comfort. Growing up I have always had an unhealthy relationship with food, to the point of gluttony. So as I have grown and matured in my faith I have come to truly embrace what scripture is telling me. Do not be anxious. Matthew 6, again, highlights the behaviors that we need employ when it comes to tomorrow. We are told not to be anxious about what we will eat or drink, or about the clothes that we will put on. Because we are indeed more than food and clothing.
When we remember this we find a whole new identity. An identity in Christ. I have found it becomes much easier to not take things for granted. But rather have healthy relationships with the blessings He has given me. I no longer see live to eat food, but eat food to live. I no longer walk in shame and embarrassment, but shamelessly and unabashedly walk. Comparison and body image issues no longer have a hold on me, but rather I have a hold on them. I can control how I feel thanks to The Lords great council and wisdom and hope.
“Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Matthew 6:34.
Security in Identity in Christ
God has created us in His image and desires to have a relationship with us. This is the greatest news. Genesis 1:27 says that “God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them.” Whenever it becomes easy to fall into comparison (i.e. comparing our talents to those of someone else, thinking someone is better looking than us, comparing body image), I remind myself that God has given each of us unique gifts and features that He intricately designed within our mothers’ wombs. Why should I even think to compare myself to someone else when I’m already called beautiful by the Creator of heaven and earth?
Christ Identity is a Unique Identity
Jess Ford, a writer and preacher, writes about a Godly perspective and worldview. He talks about how unique we are as Christ’s children. There are several scriptures that we can reference in hardship to remind ourselves that we are in the world, but not of the world. Romans 12:2, Philippians 3:20, and John 17:14-16 all express this uniqueness. Part of this uniqueness is having difficult conversations with those around us. This is especially difficult with fellow Gen Z folk because of the identity crisis that we are facing today. However, all of God children have intrinsic value that we were created with. This warrants us to have these difficult conversations with those around us.
Additional Information: Igniting a Christian Worldview in Gen Z Culture
How to Have Difficult Conversations
A message from Jess Ford
I have noticed a recurring pattern where people tiptoe around particular conversations when they are around me.
If I may, I would love to offer some words of vulnerability in hopes that someone reading this may find comfort when having difficult conversations. For about ten years now, I often feel that as I visit familiar places, people speak to me with a heightened awareness that I am a “pro-life Christian.” I am not ashamed of this label whatsoever. But, being a member of Generation Z, many of my peers are neither pro-life nor Christian.
The uniqueness of my worldview sometimes strikes anxiety in my peers, other times anger, but rarely curiosity. I have noticed a recurring pattern where people tiptoe around particular conversations when they are around me. At the barbershop, in social gatherings, at my favorite coffee shop, and around close friends, I feel that political or religious conversations, aka difficult conversations, are to be promptly cut off because a “pro-life Christian” is in the room.
Difficult Conversations
I have shared this feeling with many of my like-minded peers, and every time I am met with the same response, “me too.”
So this begs the question. Do people actually tiptoe around conversations with me that are adjacent to religion or politics, or is this a strange fear in my head that has no bearing on reality?
I assume I will never truly know the answer to that question. And that is okay. I write out my experiences because I am confident that one or two of you reading this article have felt similarly in your life. You have felt as though you walk around with duct tape on your forehead that reads “PRO-LIFE CHRISTIAN.” You feel like an outcast. Often, you feel alone.
How to Have Difficult Conversations
I want to acknowledge the difficulty required to be a Christian with orthodox beliefs in a culture that does not value life or God. It’s not easy to stand amid crowds outraged at your worldview. There has only been one remedy I have found that has lightened the load of feeling outnumbered, and that is a growing understanding of who my Father in heaven is. When I know God’s heart and His love for myself and the world, I understand that it is not my responsibility to convince others of the truth about preborn life in those difficult conversations.
My job is to present the truth to those around me with gentleness and wisdom, and the Holy Spirit’s job is to change hearts and minds. I take profound comfort in knowing that I am neither powerful nor intelligent enough to convict another person of their thought patterns or belief systems and lead them to repentance.
Additional Reading:
- When Can a Fetus Feel Pain?
- Reproductive Justice Doesn’t Include Abortion
- Why All Men Should Be Against Abortion
- Debunking The Violinist Argument
- Adoption vs. Abortion: What are My Options?
Hard Conversations
Because you and I are not the changer of minds does not mean our words are meaningless. The Holy Spirit chooses to use us to plant seeds of truth in others, and his choice in using us is an act of grace. By no means are we worthy of being an instrument in the hands of God, but nevertheless, He chooses to use us. Because God has shown a profound measure of grace in partnering with messy humans like you and me, we must take seriously what we say and do, mainly when speaking about abortion to those who disagree with us.
A particular tone has reverberated through abortion debates on stages and streets, and the tone sounds a lot like anger. From a mere strategical standpoint, one cannot carry a tone of anger. You may be speaking to someone who passionately disagrees with you. In which case carrying this anger will not lead to persuasion in a difficult conversation. The cliche, “You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar,” is a cliche for a reason. It is a truth rooted in scripture.
And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth. 2 Timothy 2:24-25
Difficult Conversations Start with the Right Tone
You may find yourself having a conversation about abortion with someone or a group of people who disagree with you. Just always remember that the substance of your words cannot be heard if your tone is not one of respect and humility. Let us remember nearly every person who advocates for abortion access truly believes they are advocating for the well-being of women. The domineering institutions that control our culture’s narrative, namely the universities and the mainstream media, have lied to our nation for half a century about the realities of abortion.
Every sin a human being commits is committed as an act of ignorance or malice. In the same way, individuals either promote abortion from a heart of ignorance or a heart of malice. The average pro-choice person does not have a comprehensive understanding of embryology to understand that life begins at conception. People simply believe the information they are fed from the institutions that control the popular narrative. In my experience interacting with hundreds of pro-abortion individuals, I have learned that nearly all supporters blindly accept what the universities and mainstream media tell them. They regurgitate what they are fed.
Difficult Conversations Require Looking at the Other Side
Rarely do they argue for the intentional killing of innocent life. They reject the premise that life begins at conception, though embryology is conclusive in establishing life’s beginning. So, as we interact with our neighbors who support abortion, we must remember that we are almost always interacting with people who lack knowledge rather than people with malicious intent. Most pro-abortion people do not believe that abortion is killing a child. This tragic misunderstanding of science has been popularized and has led to the mass genocide of our innocent.
When we engage with those we disagree with about abortion, please do not assume they have malicious intent. Most likely, they have the wrong information. Present the facts of life’s beginning and abortion’s violence to them with humility and grace.
Tough Conversations are Required
This conversation is one that we must engage in. For the Christian, our heart must be aligned with the heart of our Father. We must do justice. We must fight on behalf of the defenseless. So, may we all decide to engage in this difficult conversation and take action to end abortion. But let us be unwavering in our gentleness and love for everyone. May we present scientific truths with humility and offer consistent logic with love. This conversation is one that we must engage in.
For the Christian, our heart must be aligned with the heart of our Father. We must do justice. We must fight on behalf of the defenseless. So, may we all decide to engage in this difficult conversation and take action to end abortion. But let us be unwavering in our gentleness and love for everyone. May we present scientific truths with humility and offer consistent logic with love.
Pro-lifers are not covert in our intentions. We are trying to change the way that our culture thinks about abortion. We want to change hearts and minds, one person at a time. When enough individuals accept the unborn child’s humanity, our legislation will also honor the humanity of the unborn.
Difficult Conversations for the Pro-Life Christian
To the pro-life Christian: The duct tape on your head is showing. And may I suggest that is not a bad thing. The world believes that the pro-life Christian is a judgmental person with a religious desire to control women’s bodies. They anticipate you hosting the difficult abortion conversation with anger, name-calling, and a lack of compassion.
May we all, without shame, present the beauty of Christ and the humanity of unborn children to those around us with a radical gentleness, even when others react with hostility.
It is not your job to change hearts or minds. The Holy Spirit cares more about justice than you do. Your job is to offer your body as a holy, pleasing sacrifice before God, which is the definition of worship, so that the Holy Spirit may use you as an instrument of mercy and justice even in difficult conversations. Friend, the pressure is off. May the Church harmoniously strive to protect the unborn in gentleness and worship our Father, who is worthy of all honor.
Fulfillment
If life seems hopeless right now, know that there is living hope in Christ that has the power to move and fulfill in your life! Colossians 3:2 says, “Set your mind on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” Seeking things that are above means to seek the things of Christ. Got Questions says that these include, but are not limited to, “compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, peace, singing, worship, and gratitude.”
In summary, if we want to seek things that are above, we need to fight off cultural trends and align our actions with what is found in Scripture. Doing so will reap everlasting joy from Jesus, thus framing our identity in Christ.
There are key verses to keep in mind when placing hope and trust in the love of the Lord:
- “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
- “This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we ought to love one another.” 1 John 4:9-11
- ‘”For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”‘ Jeremiah 29:11
- “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:14
- “My flesh and heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26
Gen Z Can Help
As people of Gen Z we are so deeply intertwined with social media and the effect it has on people. However, it can be used for good. As one of the leading generations of social media influence we have a unique opportunity to shine the light of Christ throughout all things that we do. And with the growing usage and impact of social media, especially on younger generations we can be role models to them. On the older side of Gen Z, people are starting to marry and have children of their own. We have an amazing opportunity to fight the good fight and be warriors of Christ. Here is a story of some good work being done by younger generations of people, thanks to the positive influence of social media.
How These Kids Are Saving Lives
A story by Jessica Reeves
It was my mom’s mug.
Not even her favorite.
But I remember how proud my dad was of my mom whenever he saw it.
There was nothing remarkable about the little gray mug, or its basic line drawing that said, “Here’s 2 you. KREM2.” It was just a tchotchke gift from a TV news station in the ’80s, given to anyone who went on air.
My mom heard Krem was opening five-minute slots of airtime to anyone who wanted to share what was on their mind. So, my mom went on to speak against abortion with the intent of saving lives. She carefully wrote, then bravely spoke for those who cannot speak. It was a big deal for her. It was scary. And many people who saw it – including our neighbors and friends – didn’t agree with her. Loudly.
She did it anyway. Because it was right.
I remember it even now as an adult – and I am still proud of her just as my dad always was. As kids, you watch your parents; studying them even when they aren’t aware of it, learning important lessons about their values.
How it All Began
Growing up in a pastor’s home we saw our parents as the pastor and his wife on Sunday – then during the week, we saw them as Dad and Mom. And I’m proud to say they are the same people. My parents’ values were consistent and visible in every part of their lives all the time. Then, when I was in third grade, they became licensed foster parents specifically to be a welcoming home for expectant teenagers. My dad worked in hospice so he could comfort and share Jesus with those facing their own undeniable mortality. SPLIT IMAGE
Still, my parents live out the Biblical value of when life begins.. As kids, we saw it. It shaped us. And now, it informs how we raise our kids. Additionally, because of the values instilled in us by Jesus through our parents’ lifelong example, we started helping our kids with their own pro-life projects.
The Cousins With A Cause
Four years ago, our kids and their cousins chose to give up their Christmas presents instead of asking for money to be donated to their cause. As this purpose grew, we began titling them the “Cousins with a Cause.”
They raised money with art and bake sales, selling their own toys (and a few of our things!) and doing chores around the house. They set up fundraisers on Facebook for Giving Tuesday where they would ask family to consider donating, and even donated their own birthday money to the cause. Their first year, the Cousins with a Cause freed two young families from bond slavery at brick kilns in Pakistan. The next year, they teamed up with our church’s children’s ministry to donate a fresh water well in a village without access to safe water. They then began impacting and saving lives in other ways. They delivered diaper bags loaded with supplies to their local pregnancy resource clinic. This year, partnering again with the children’s ministry and now the entire congregation, they raised funds to donate an ultrasound machine through Focus on the Family’s Option Ultrasound Program!
And it’s not just financial projects! For instance, the kids participated in the March for Life at our state capitol. Then, they toured pregnancy resource clinics. Volunteered at the food bank. Supported foster families. Finally, they even helped us call our representatives to ask them to oppose bad bills supporting the abortion industry.
Get Involved!
- Find volunteer opportunities at your nearest pregnancy medical clinic by visiting MyChoiceNetwork.org or OptionLine.org.
- Grab our free, downloadable resource kit for families, Valuing Life From The Start!
- For an encouraging pro-life community, follow us on Facebook and Instagram!
Take the Next Step
These are things anyone can do. You can. Your kids can.
Kids are learning. All the time. They’re seeing in you what’s important, and they’re learning now to protect and value the lives of others. Not everything has to be a big effort – pray for God to use your family and to be faithful when He does! (In fact – attending a Bible-believing church is a great place to start. Get your children in church around others who share and will encourage your children in Biblical values.)
To anyone who doesn’t know where to start, just do anything! Here are a few ideas to get started building pro-life values in your home.
Show Your Kids the Humanity of the Preborn
First and most important: Pray with your kids for the preborn. Second, if you have them, show your kids their own ultrasound pictures. Then emphasize that the little person they see in that scrabbly image is them. The same them.
Speak positively about every person at every age and ability. Likewise, talk to your kids and let them hear you speaking on behalf of the preborn. Be real with them about the threat to the preborn, but also show them the people bravely standing for them and how they’re doing it.
Teach Them to Use Their Voice for Saving Lives
Take your kids to the March for Life so they can learn that saving lives is a group effort. Also, let them make their own signs and learn how to peacefully demonstrate. Take your kids to your state capitol to meet their representatives. Additionally, did you know you can request a 10-minute appointment with your representative to talk about anything you want? You can! In fact, they value hearing from their constituency. Even if they don’t agree with your values – it makes a difference! Bring your kids and let them hear you impress on lawmakers the value, humanity and rights of the preborn. Teach them that their lawmakers are accessible to them – and influenced by them. (Remember to send a thank you!)
Pay attention to the legislative bills in your state. Next, call the legislative hotline and respectfully request your representative vote according to your pro-life beliefs (“Please oppose HB1234”). Policymakers weigh public perception and contact from voters heavily in their decisions; after all, it’s how they keep their jobs. Therefore, a phone call to a representative (takes less than 1 minute) can make a big difference! Get others to call, too. Teach children to use their voices. Sign them up for a public speaking or debate class. Equip them to use their words powerfully, effectively and respectfully for the preborn, who cannot speak for themselves.
Show Them Saving Lives Means Action
Ask your pastor or elders where to get involved. It doesn’t have to be the perfect project or ministry. Simply help where they suggest! Pray for a servant’s heart. Help moms. For example, offer to babysit for a single mom. Accompany an expectant mom to an appointment. Help find baby items for unexpectedly expecting moms. Post on your social accounts offering to help those in an unexpected pregnancy. Become a sidewalk advocate, offering to pray near Planned Parenthood with moms considering abortion. Help your local pregnancy resource clinic. Next time you’re at the grocery store, let the kids pick out a pack of diapers or formula to take to the local pregnancy resource clinic or pregnancy help organization and drop it off together on your way home.
Help kids in foster care. Further, donate to foster programs and support foster families. Focus on the Family’s Wait No More Program has a great cause in sending a new suitcase, teddy bear and Bible to kids in foster care.
Help pro-life ministries. One great way of doing so is to donate to Focus on the Family’s Option Ultrasound Program to help provide women with free ultrasounds and so much more. Many women choose life after hearing and seeing their baby’s heartbeat! Or, call your local pregnancy resource clinic and ask if they have a specific need you can help meet! Pray for those who are working faithfully in this ministry every day.
Remember, you are fighting for someone’s life. You might one day even meet the baby you helped save!
Saving Lives Takes Work
But even if we do these things only to be met by angry faces or discouragement, remember that we do this because it is right. And because it is teaching our children. So, fight the good fight and remember to do everything with prayer.
Kids will grow up to look back on their childhood and remember what they saw in you and what was important to you. Something as simple as the mug received when you stood alone for the preborn can be a powerful reminder for them. Your love for Jesus and your example matter.
Let your kids see you take that brave stand for those who cannot defend themselves. Pray to shape them into people of action; leaders in a world that will need them. And never get tired of doing what’s good.
Here’s 2 you.
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)
“Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)
Benefits of Identity in Christ
By placing our identity in Christ, we receive the peace, joy, and rich reward of God’s loving grace. And although this counteracts with what most of Generation Z is being led toward today, it is the answer for fulfillment in this life and the next. This isn’t the easy way out, however. A relationship with Christ means that we get to choose peace in the middle of the darkest storm. We still face temptation and desires to place our worth and identity in other things. But once we fill our minds entirely with the truth of who Christ says we are by studying Scripture and spending time in prayer, we experience His presence, which is the best gift we could ever receive.
Be encouraged today that God is pursuing you, and you are not alone in this battle of trying to find where your identity lies. Placing our identity in Christ is the best decision we could make not only for the betterment of our lives, but for the health of our minds. As John 3:16 and 1 Peter 2:9 say, you are loved, cherished, and chosen by Christ. That is all we could ever want or need. And as I have placed my priorities in Scripture rather than anything the world could offer, I have found my identity in Christ.
