This week, Amy reminded the congregation that broken people often do broken things simply because they don’t know who they are or whose they are. When we forget our God-given identity, we let trauma, words, the opinions of others, and the lies of the enemy define us instead of the truth of Scripture.

She acknowledged that even though identity is a familiar topic, it’s still one we wrestle with daily. We live in a world that constantly tries to redefine us — and as believers, we must stand firm in who God says we are.

Referencing her earlier messages on convictions and the church’s “Guardrail” series, Amy reminded everyone that convictions are what keep us aligned with Christ. If we trade conviction for convenience, we lose the foundation of who we are.

She pointed out that life feels increasingly complicated, tense, and confusing — because we live in a culture that celebrates what God calls sin, questions what He has made clear, and mocks those who stand for truth. Yet, our call is not to withdraw, but to stand firm and love well.

Amy turned to the story of Daniel, drawing parallels between ancient Babylon and our modern culture. Babylon didn’t just conquer God’s people physically — it tried to redefine who they were.

King Nebuchadnezzar renamed Daniel and his friends, attempting to reshape their identities around false gods. Daniel’s name, which means “God is my Judge,” was changed to Belteshazzar — meaning “Bel protects the king.” This was more than a name change; it was an attack on identity.

Amy explained that Satan still uses the same tactics today — whispering lies like “You’re not enough,” “You’re too broken,” or “You can’t be used by God.” But God’s Word says the opposite: You are chosen, forgiven, victorious, fearfully and wonderfully made, and more than a conqueror.

“When the enemy tells you who you’re not,” she said, “remind yourself who God says you are.”

Just like Jesus did when tempted in the wilderness, we defeat deception with truth — through Scripture.

Daniel “resolved not to defile himself” (Daniel 1:8). That means he made up his mind before the temptation even came. Amy urged the church to do the same — to decide in advance what they will and won’t compromise.

She gave examples of these commitments:

“I will seek God first every day.”

“I will worship faithfully.”

“I will reserve intimacy for marriage.”

“I will not join the crowd when it goes against God’s ways.”

Daniel didn’t protest or shout to make his point. He acted with wisdom, respect, and compassion — choosing to make a difference rather than just make a point. His quiet faith changed lives, including the guard assigned to him.

Even in exile, Daniel’s story shows that God was working behind the scenes. What the enemy meant for evil, God turned for good. Amy reminded the congregation that no matter what happens in our culture or nation, our King is still on the throne.

Psalm 103:19 declares, “The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all.”

When we live out who God says we are, our lives become living testimonies that influence others — just like Daniel and his friends influenced kings and nations.

Amy was transparent about her own journey — admitting that even after years of studying identity, she still finds herself struggling to fully live it out at times. But she emphasized that it’s possible to stand firm without conforming.

“You can live in Babylon,” she said, “without letting Babylon live in you.”

Practical Ways to Walk Out Your Identity

Amy closed the message with seven practical ways to live out your identity in Christ:

Live Out Your Faith Authentically (Matthew 5:16) – Let your good deeds shine so that others see Christ in you. Be consistent, real, and genuine.

Be a Person of Integrity (Colossians 3:23) – Let honesty and excellence define you. Be the same person in private that you are in public.

Share Your Story – Your testimony is proof of God’s transforming power.

Show Love and Compassion (John 13:34–35) – Love is your loudest sermon. Don’t just win arguments; win hearts.

Speak Truth in Love – Truth without love is harsh, but love without truth is hollow.

Pray for Opportunities – Ask God daily to open doors to share His love.

Reflect Christ’s Joy – In a dark world, joy shines brightest.

Amy ended with a heart-searching prayer:

“Lord, help us be the best version of ourselves in You. Father, do people see the ‘me’ that You see and want me to be?”

She reminded everyone: You may live in Babylon, but Babylon doesn’t have to live in you.