Naked & Unashamed
Finding Freedom in Christ: Embracing Our True Identity and Letting Go of Shame
Genesis chapter two culminates with a powerful statement about the man and the woman’s original design in God, “And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.” We were created to be naked and unashamed. This isn’t about physical nudity, but about being fully exposed in the light of truth and love, without fear, because of our identity in Christ. Emotionally, spiritually, personally naked.
Understanding Our Original Design
God made us, humans, as His image-bearers. Before the fall in Genesis chapter 3, humanity existed in a state of rest, dominion, and intimacy with God. Shame slithered in later. It’s important to remember that if we only focus on original sin, we become overly conscious of behavior rather than our true identity. Christ’s work was so much greater than resolving sin alone: He invites us to live as the new creation He made us to be.
The Power of Recognizing Shame
Shame is one of the first emotions seen in Genesis post-fall. It compelled Adam and Eve to cover up, thinking a fig leaf can hide our our perceived inadequacies. Truth is, we still cover up with fig leaves. Those fig leaves have many names—work, relationships, addictions, silence.
Shame shuts us down. It tells us we’re not enough, convinces us we’re imposters.
Our identity in Christ remains secure. It isn’t something fragile that Satan can easily steal. Who we are in Christ is as secure as Christ Himself. But shame leads us to hide, to clothe ourselves with lies and misconceptions, thinking we are something other than who we truly are.
Breaking Shame’s Hold
Jason: Reflecting on my seventh-grade year, I joined a football team, new and inexperienced, and I felt like an outsider. I scuffed my helmet to appear as though I'd played, hiding my lack of participation behind deceit. It was my fig leaf.
We all have those moments where our insides don’t match our outsides. This imposter syndrome is a lie crafted by shame, meant to enforce negative self-perceptions. Our experiences of shame often stem from lies we believe about ourselves.
Practical Steps to Overcome Shame
What did God ask the man and the woman when they became overwhelmed with shame? “Where are you?” and “Who told you?” He asks us these same questions today. They aren’t condemning questions, they’re inviting us to reflect on our current perceived state and the voices we allow to dictate our identities. In overcoming shame, we start with these vital questions.
Identify Areas of Shame: Ask the Lord, “Is there an area where I feel shame? An area I’m covering up and hiding.” Seek God’s truth about these feelings.
Dismiss False Voices: Determine where these feelings originate—what lie have you internalized and whose voice is perpetuating it? Relax as you consider the God question: Who told you?
Exchange Lies for Truth: Actively renounce the lies and listen for God’s affirmations about your true identity in Christ.
Community and biblical counsel provide powerful ways to dismantle these lies. Sharing our narratives in safe spaces allows us to come out of the shadows.
Embrace Your God-Given Identity
We are God's handiwork, crafted with purpose, and nothing can snatch that away. By recognizing and dismissing the voices of shame, we step into the fullness of our divine identity. Remember, your identity in Christ is to be naked and unashamed—living transparently without the burden of heavy accusation. Discard the shadows of who you thought you were to embrace who you truly are in Him.
We invite you to listen to our full podcast episode for a deeper exploration of these concepts and to join us in this journey of finding freedom and embracing your true, unashamed self in Christ. Overcome shame, step boldly into your identity, and rest in the abundant love God has for you.