Your Identity was Formed Before Age 7...Now What?
A Companion Resource Guide from Mind and Faith Matters
Episode Focus
Many of our core beliefs were formed early in life. Those beliefs shape how we see ourselves, how we relate to others, and how we relate to God.
In this episode, Dr. Cory Potter and Dr. Bob Fischer explore a deeper invitation: to stop striving and begin receiving what God has already done.
The question shifts from: How do I become better? To: Do I believe who I already am in Christ?
Key Themes from the Episode
1. Identity is Formed Early
Research in developmental psychology shows that between ages 2–7, children form core beliefs about:
- Who am I?
- How do I fit in this world?
Those beliefs often remain beneath the surface and continue to influence adult behavior, relationships, and emotional patterns.
2. Adaptation vs. Maladaptation
What helped you survive as a child may no longer serve you as an adult.
Early coping mechanisms were adaptations. But growth requires asking:
- Is this belief still helping me?
- Is this pattern producing peace?
3. Neuroplasticity and Renewing the Mind
Your brain forms pathways based on repeated thoughts and experiences.
The good news: new pathways can be formed.
Intentional reflection on truth, especially biblical truth, can reshape deeply rooted belief systems over time.
4. Whole-Person Mental Health
Dr. Fischer describes a four-legged chair model of counseling:
- Physical health
- Emotional connection
- Cognitive patterns
- Spiritual life
Instability often comes from neglecting one of these areas. True healing considers the whole person.
5. From Striving to Rest
The episode contrasts:
- Performance-based spirituality
- Living from identity in Christ
Instead of constant self-improvement, the invitation is to receive and live from what God has already done.
Sanctification becomes less about earning and more about believing.
Featured Content: From Striving to Receiving
Much of our faith language revolves around effort.
Try harder.
Do better.
Be more faithful.
But the New Covenant offers something different.
Instead of self-improvement, it offers union.
Instead of performance, participation.
Instead of earning, receiving.
Sanctification is learning to believe and live from what He already says is true of followers of Jesus, rather than God waiting for you to improve.
Identity Is Given, Not Achieved
Childhood shapes identity. That matters.
But your identity in Christ is not something you build.
It is something you receive.
You are not working toward acceptance.
You are already adopted.
You are not striving for joy.
Joy flows from abiding.
The question becomes: do you trust it?
Scripture for Reflection
2 Corinthians 5:17 - “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.”
Romans 8:1 - “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
Romans 12:2 - "Be transformed by the renewing of your mind."
John 13:34 - "A new command I give you: Love one another as I have loved you."
John 15:4 - “Abide in Me, and I in you.”
Galatians 2:20 - "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.”
Galatians 4:7 - “You are no longer a slave, but God’s child.”
Psalm 16:11 - “In Your presence there is fullness of joy.”
Reflection Questions
- Where in your life are you trying to prove yourself?
- Do you approach God as a performer or as a beloved child?
- If you truly believed you were already accepted, what would change?
- What would resting in Christ look like this week?
Practice: Living From Identity
- View how you can become a child of God and have a fresh start.
- Pause when you feel pressure to perform and remind yourself what God already says is true.
- Spend a few quiet minutes daily simply acknowledging, I am Your child.
- Stop keeping score in relationships. Give freely and trust God as your source.
- Choose one identity-based Scripture and sit with it throughout the week.
Encouragement
You are not a self-improvement project.
You are invited to rest.
The work of the Christian life is about receiving, enjoying, and living from what has already been given in Christ.
Getting Help
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