Kingdom Influence: Understanding Your Identity in Christ

As we step into a new year, many of us are thinking about how we can make a difference in the world around us. But before we can truly influence others for Christ, we must first understand who we are in Him. True kingdom influence doesn’t start with what we build or achieve—it begins with knowing our identity as chosen children of God.

What Does It Mean to Be an Influencer?

In today’s culture, influencers are everywhere. They shape how people think, act, and spend their money simply by being who they are in front of others. Some have millions of followers, others are experts in their fields, and some are just entertaining. The common thread is that influence is powerful and valuable. But the kingdom of God works differently than the world’s approach to influence. While many people desperately try to build an identity to gain influence through branding, styling, and self-promotion, God’s kingdom operates in the opposite direction.

How Does Kingdom Influence Differ from Worldly Influence?

Kingdom influence doesn’t begin with what you build—it begins with who you already are in Christ. This foundational truth shapes everything about how we approach making a difference in the world. Before you can influence anyone for Jesus, before your life can bear lasting fruit, before you can reflect God’s love into the world, you must know who you are. Identity comes before impact. Character comes before calling. Formation comes before influence.

Do You Know Who You Are in Christ?

This is the most important question a follower of Jesus can answer. If you don’t know who you are, the enemy will happily tell you who you’re not. He’ll place false labels on you and attempt spiritual identity theft—stealing not just your peace, but the abundant life Jesus came to give you.
The foundational truth we must grasp is found in 2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” This is who you are.

Living in Kingdom Tension

We live in a period of “now and not yet”—we’re saved but still being saved, justified but being sanctified, awaiting glorification. If we don’t know our identity in Christ, we’ll be divided just like the world divides. We’ll be shaped by culture instead of shaping it.

What Does It Mean to Be Chosen by God?

Ephesians 1:4 tells us: “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.” The word “chosen” can bring up various thoughts and feelings, but we must ask what the Bible actually says about being chosen.

God’s Plan Before Creation

God had a plan for you before the world was created. However, you get to choose whether you want to be part of that plan. Jesus said, “Many are called, but few are chosen.” The calling comes through the Gospel message, and when you respond to that invitation, you are chosen.
When you choose, you are chosen. That’s why Ephesians says we are chosen “in Him”—in Christ, by responding to the Gospel invitation.

Chosen by Grace, Not Merit

God’s choosing doesn’t depend on our abilities, talents, or what we bring to the table. Unlike human selection processes that look for qualifications, God chose you based on nothing but His love and grace. He chose you because He created you and loves you.

What Purpose Were You Chosen For?

You were chosen for a purpose—to be holy and blameless before Him. But what does holiness actually mean? Historically, the church has sometimes presented holiness as merely a list of things not to do. However, the Bible presents holiness differently.

Holiness as Relationship

Biblical holiness is tied to relationship with others. In Leviticus 19, after God says “be holy because I am holy,” He immediately talks about respecting parents, caring for the poor, pursuing justice, and loving your neighbor as yourself. God was saying: “Because I delivered you from bondage and saved you, I want you to mirror what I’ve done for you to everyone else.” Holiness means reflecting God’s love and character to others.

How Do We Bear Fruit That Lasts?

God wants us to have the right identity so we’re pursuing the right things and living in rest rather than constantly putting out fires in our lives. When we understand our identity, we can live the abundant life Christ promised. In John 15:12-17, Jesus bookends His teaching with the same command: “Love each other as I have loved you.” Everything in between defines what this love looks like—sacrificial love that bears lasting fruit.

Chosen for Action

Jesus said, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.” No Christian is called to be unproductive. You are chosen by God to bear fruit in every area of your life. When we understand that we’re chosen and loved by God, that’s when real change happens. It’s no longer about trying to do things to get God to love us—He already loves us. In that love, we can step into the mission He’s called us to.

Life Application

You don’t have to spend your life trying to become someone in Christ—you’re already someone. If you want to influence the world for the kingdom, you must first allow the King to influence you. This week, ask the Lord to remind you of your identity. Push back against every lie the enemy whispers to you. Lean into your identity as someone who is chosen, loved, forgiven, and filled with His Holy Spirit.

Questions for Reflection:

What false labels or lies about your identity do you need to reject this week?
How can you better reflect God’s love and character to those around you?
In what areas of your life is God calling you to bear fruit that will last?

When you walk in your true identity, influence won’t be something you strive for—it will flow naturally out of who you are in Christ. Kingdom influence begins with kingdom identity, and God has already given you yours.

Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.