The Loop

Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall: Helping Students Find Their True Identity

It’s everywhere—Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat, movies, TV shows, schools, and so much more. We, a collective we—parents, students, and church leaders—are inundated by so many different voices, all trying to speak to our identity. 

It really is everywhere. And it’s overwhelming. 

There are days where we wearily stare into the mirror (literally or figuratively) and it leaves us wondering. How in the world will I ever measure up? Forget the fairy tale. This is real life and if the mirror could talk there is no way it would say I was the fairest of them all. 

Ever been there? Same here. And so have our students.

Our students are growing up in a world where messages of all sorts are flooding us 24-7. Between our phones, tablets, computers, watches, and a myriad of other devices, we are constantly connected. The messages are seemingly endless and overpoweringly loud. 

In a world full of voices trying to define us, it is crucial that we help our students hear the one voice that matters. 

Let God’s Word be the Foundation

It absolutely has to start here. While the onslaught of daily messages that we receive can, we need to measure the messages against the Word of God and help our students do the same. Unless the message is saturated in the truth of God’s Word, it holds no substance or ability to determine worth or identity. 

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” 1 Timothy 3:16-17 (NLT) 

In college, I spent a summer traveling to a different church camp each week, working with middle and high school students. One of those weeks we studied Philippians 4:8-9 and it affectionately became known as the TNRPLA passage. 

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (emphasis mine)

It’s important to help our students consider what is true and to point their focus there. When they measure their identity and purpose through the lens of truth, they will be able to find their worth in the only place worth finding it. 

Resources for Helping Your Students Find the Truth about Their Identity: 

Online Articles

Who Am I – Campus Crusade, Thrive Series

Help Kids Recognize Their Identity in Christ – Focus on the Family

Fathers Encourage Identity Development – Focus on the Family

How to Discover Your True Identity – Campus Crusade

Book

True Identity: Finding Significance and Freedom Through Who You Are in Christ

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