#646: Identity in Christ: Leading from Security, Not Insecurity

I once worked alongside a leader who commanded the room the moment he walked in.

People listened when he spoke. He exuded confidence, and I admired that. I found myself trying to mirror him—his posture, his tone, even the way he responded to questions.

But no matter how closely I tried to match his style, it never felt authentic. I wasn’t leading from a place of strength—I was leading from a place of insecurity. I hadn’t yet learned to lead from my identity in Christ. It was a journey of self-discovery and faith, one that I’m still on, but it’s a journey worth taking.

In Romans 12:3, Paul writes:

“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.”

This verse, while often used to talk about spiritual gifts, is grounded in something deeper: our identity as believers. Before we talk about what we do, we need to understand who we are.

What It Means to Have an Identity in Christ

As Christian leaders, our identity is not in our job title, influence, or achievements. Our identity is grounded in the unshakable truth that we are in Christ—adopted, accepted, secure, and called.

The Bible says:

• “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
• “You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:26)
• “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)

When we truly understand our identity in Christ, we are liberated from fear and lead with a clear sense of purpose and peace.

The Trap of Insecurity in Leadership

Insecurity is subtle but dangerous. It sneaks into our leadership in a dozen ways. It may look like:

• Micromanagement, because we’re afraid of failure
• Overwork, because we’re trying to earn approval
• Image crafting, because we want to be perceived as strong
• Avoiding feedback, because criticism feels like rejection

The irony is that leaders who seem the most in control can often be the ones wrestling with deep-seated insecurity.

When we base our leadership identity on success, reputation, or external validation, we create a fragile foundation. One negative review, one failed project, or one overlooked promotion can shake our confidence to the core.

But when our identity is rooted in Christ? We are unshaken.

Jesus: Our Example of Secure Identity

Jesus modeled perfect leadership grounded in secure identity. Before He began His public ministry, before He healed or preached, the Father declared:

“This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17)

That declaration came before Jesus did anything. His identity wasn’t based on performance—it was based on relationship.

Throughout His ministry, Jesus led with clarity, confidence, and humility—not because He needed validation, but because He knew who He was. As Christian leaders, we’re invited into that same security.

Leading from Your Identity in Christ

When you truly lead from your identity in Christ:

• You can empower others without feeling threatened.
• You can accept feedback without feeling defeated.
• You can rest, knowing your worth isn’t tied to results.
• You can serve, because you’re not chasing a platform—you’re fulfilling a purpose.

This kind of leadership creates healthy organizations, encourages authenticity, and brings glory to God.

How to Stay Rooted in Your Identity

So how do we stay grounded in our identity in Christ—especially in high-pressure environments?

1. Spend time in God’s Word daily.
   Let Scripture shape your view of yourself more than the world does. Verses like Colossians 3:3 (“Your life is now hidden with Christ in God”) remind us of our true source of value.
2. Talk to God before the world talks to you.
   Begin each day by reaffirming your position in Christ. Don’t let emails, headlines, or performance metrics set the tone for your heart.
3. Reject lies with truth.
   When insecurity whispers “you’re not enough,” speak back: “I am chosen, holy, and dearly loved” (Colossians 3:12).
4. Surround yourself with people who affirm your identity.
   Seek mentors and peers who remind you of your calling—not just your competence.
5. Rest regularly.
   Leaders who rest show they trust that God—not their hustle—is holding everything together.

Action Steps for Leaders

Here are five ways to lead from your identity in Christ.

1. Anchor Your Morning in Truth
   Begin your day with verses that affirm your identity—before you check messages or meetings.
2. Write a Personal Identity Statement
   Create a one-sentence reminder of who you are in Christ to revisit when pressure builds.
3. Audit Your Motivations
   Ask: Am I doing this from a place of calling or to impress someone?
4. Celebrate Others Without Jealousy
   Secure leaders can genuinely rejoice in others’ success without feeling diminished.
5. Practice Grace Toward Yourself
   Even when you mess up, remind yourself that your identity hasn’t changed. You are still in Christ.

Discussion Questions

Use these to reflect personally or discuss with a leadership group.

1. Where have you placed your identity outside of Christ in the past?
2. How has insecurity shown up in your leadership style or decisions?
3. What Scriptures most remind you of who you are in Christ?
4. How would your leadership change if you truly believed your worth was already secure?
5. Who in your life consistently reminds you of your identity in Christ—and who needs you to remind them?

More Articles

I have written several articles on exhortation. You can find them by typing “Exhortation” in the search bar. Meanwhile, here are several of my favorites.

• #645: Your Measure of Faith: Leading Within God’s Design
• #534: The Power of Purpose: Leadership Lessons from Joshua for Today’s Leaders
• #521: 7 Important Tips for Giving Feedback to The Boss
• #479: How Should You Approach Dealing with Conflict and Wrongdoing at Work?
• #112: A Warning of Judgment from God for all Wannabe Leaders

Join the Conversation

As always, we welcome questions and comments. Is your identity in Christ helping you to lead with confidence?

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Category: Relationships | Exhortation