We’re living in a time where we are seeing the consequences of building identity around image, influence, reputation, and being seen.
And when identity is built on those things, eventually the pressure becomes too much to carry.
When Visibility Becomes Identity
Colossians 3:3–4 says:
“Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life—even though invisible to spectators—is with Christ in God… He is your life…”
Your real life—even though invisible to spectators.
That phrase catches me every time:
But, there is a kind of hiddenness that isn’t fear.
It isn’t passivity.
It isn’t avoiding responsibility.
It isn’t refusing to step into what God has called us to.
It is being hidden in Christ.
Fear and Being Hidden in Christ Aren’t the Same Thing
I’ve realised over the years that although I’m actually quite content in obscurity, God is calling me into greater visibility.
I honestly don’t crave being the centre of attention. But there’s nothing wrong with a public platform either.
I’m happy to remain hidden but the question is, why would I rather stay hidden?
I am simply learning that the safest place is living in brave obedience that is built on knowing who I truly am in Christ.
When our identity is hidden in Him, we are no longer controlled by public opinion or sustained by applause.
But on the other hand, if we step ahead of God and begin drawing attention to ourselves instead of the One we serve, we place ourselves in dangerous territory.
The Trap of Pursuing Recognition
I’ve watched this play out again and again with a broken heart.
I’ve watched believers, leaders, ministers, worshippers, teachers – people with genuine callings – become trapped trying to maintain an image rather than remain rooted in Christ.
Hear me clearly: visibility is not wrong.
But somewhere along the way, recognition became more precious than obedience.
Recognition feels sweet. I admit that.
But when praise becomes something we pursue, it can become bait in a snare.
Jesus said we cannot serve two masters.
If our identity depends on being seen, approved of, understood, or celebrated, then criticism will eventually own us too.
And social media reveals this quickly.
No matter what you post:
- Someone will disagree.
- Someone will criticise.
- Someone will misunderstand.
- Someone will twist your words.
- Someone will try to define you.
Unfortunately, that seems to be increasingly acceptable behaviour in our world today.
So settle this foundational issue before you put yourself out there:
Who does God say you are?
Because if you don’t know, other people will gladly tell you.
But God never lies.
Do you believe Him?
What are you hiding behind?
I’ve always been drawn to the scene in the Wizard of Oz when Dorothy and her friends are in the hall of the ‘Great and Terrible Wizard of Oz.’
For most of the story, the man behind the curtain hid behind smoke, projection, noise, and image. He convinced himself and others that he was all-powerful because nobody could see who he really was.
But when the curtain was pulled back, something unexpected happened.
He became human. He wasn’t so terrible after all. He wasn’t so great that he wasn’t approchable.
Strangely enough—he was likeable.
More real.
More approachable.
People were no longer thunderstruck by the illusion he created but they did connect with the person.
Becoming Who God Says You Are
Maybe that’s part of the invitation for us too.
We were never created to hide behind platforms, titles, influence, ministry personas, or carefully managed versions of ourselves.
We were created to become real.
Because when our identity is hidden in Christ, we don’t have to build a curtain and defend it.
We don’t have to keep proving ourselves.
We can simply be who God created us to be.
And this is the beautiful exchange:
When we surrender ourselves fully to Christ, we don’t lose ourselves.
We lose the version of ourselves that was performing for acceptance.
And Christ reveals who we actually are.
That is the gift of being hidden in Christ.
Not hidden from purpose but set free from the exhausting need to prove yourself.
And from that place of security, when He calls you forward, you can serve freely because you already know whose you are.
Jesus tore the biggest curtain in history, which kind of feels like a hint. When your identity is found in Christ, you actually don’t need a curtain.
©2026 Katherine Walden
