Why Biblical Identity Matters More Than Ever in Today’s Culture.

A special message from Joshua Kaina

We live in a time where confusion about identity runs rampant. The world is sending mixed messages, telling young people that identity is fluid and self-determined. I was already being heavily influenced by these messages in the 2000's and bought it hook, line and sinker. By 2015, at 33 years old, I started to accept my trans identity. But as a born again follower of Christ, I now know the truth—our identity is not something we create; it is something we receive from our Creator.

I’ve spoken with countless parents and mentors who feel overwhelmed. They ask, How do we help our children stand firm when culture is screaming otherwise? This is a battle for truth, and it’s one we must engage in with both wisdom and love.

From the very beginning, Satan has sought to distort God’s design. In Genesis 3, he questioned Eve: “Did God really say…?” That same question echoes today. The enemy knows that if he can confuse a person’s identity, he can weaken their faith. Confusion keeps us from walking in the fullness of who God created us to be, it kept me bound for over two decades of my life.

But God’s Word is clear:

"So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them." —Genesis 1:27

Our identity is rooted in God’s intentional design. When we stray from that, we lose our way. The culture promotes self-discovery apart from God, but Scripture reminds us that true identity is found only in Christ.

Teaching Truth in a Confusing World

As parents, mentors, and leaders, we cannot afford to be passive. The voices influencing the next generation are loud. If we do not intentionally teach biblical identity, the world will fill the gap.

We must:

• Be proactive, not reactive. Talk about identity before the culture does.

• Ground them in Scripture. Truth must be more than opinion; it must be rooted in God’s Word.

• Model biblical identity. Young people watch how we live more than they listen to what we say.

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Practical Steps for Parents and Mentors

How can we guide young people in biblical identity without coming across as rigid or disconnected? Here are some practical ways to start:

1. Create a culture of open conversation. Encourage questions, even tough ones. Let them know they can come to you with doubts and struggles. God does not give us a spirit of fear, so do not shy away from tough conversations - embrace them with power, love and a sound mind.

2. Teach identity through the lens of relationship with Christ. Rules alone won’t sustain them. They need a personal encounter with Jesus. We can't legislate people into heterosexuality but we can be effective Ministers of reconciliation.

3. Equip them to discern cultural messages. Help them recognize the difference between God’s truth and the world’s deception.

4. Pray intentionally over their identity. Prayer is one of the most powerful ways to fight spiritual battles. My parents committed themselves to prayer for me and never let me in on it until it bore fruit. Stop broadcasting your prayer life - especially to the ones you are praying for. Let God work and get the glory, He loves to meet us in secret (Matthew 6:6-7).

The Stakes Are High—But So Is Our Calling

This isn’t just about protecting our kids; it’s about equipping them to thrive. The next generation needs to know who they are in Christ so they can walk in confidence and purpose.

"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." —John 8:32

Biblical identity isn’t restrictive—it’s freeing. When young people know they are fearfully and wonderfully made, when they see themselves through God’s eyes, they won’t need the world to tell them who they are.

Let’s commit to raising and mentoring a generation that stands firm in the truth of who God created them to be.

Next time: How do we teach truth with compassion? Stay tuned.

For encouraging stories and resources on LGBTQ+ issues visit our friends at Changed Movement

PS - Brave & Beautiful, although created to protect girls from exploitation, has also helped them embrace their God-given gender and identity. We have seen this in one of the pilot groups at a highly respected school. Don't overlook The Brave Series - it is a powerful tool for identity.