In this post, you will:
Discover the importance of our identity
Receive practical ways to find your identity in Jesus.
This post marks the first in our series on identity. Some years ago, I heard this impactful story. There was a man who went for a walk on a hiking trail in the nearby forest. As he walked and enjoyed the scenery, the man started to lose his way. Everything looked the same and he struggled to find reference points to stay on track. Very soon the man knew that he was totally lost. Panic started to set in, and the reality of worst-case scenarios started to creep into his mind. While walking aimlessly through the forest the man walked around the corner and met a forest ranger on the path. The forest ranger looked at the man and asked, “Who are you and where are you going?” The man explained the situation and the forest ranger was able to show him the way out of the forest.
When applied to our lives this story represents our journeys through life. We start out with enthusiasm and purpose only to get lost in the forest that represents the world with all its distractions and voices trying to influence us to buy what they are selling. We all ask or are being asked the question who you are and where are you going?
Our identity gives us not only a solid foundation, but also gives us that road map for our lives, or in other words purpose and direction.
In their book Mission Drift, Peter Greer and Chris Horst wrote about Christian organisations that have lost their way to such an extent that they are no longer recognizable as Christian organisations in their mission and values.
One of the main points that Greer and Horst made is that going off course happens over time. The slow and steady compromise on values and purpose ultimately leads you to a total loss of identity.
I engage with many people who sincerely want to live lives that are meaningful. They attempt this, however, without the necessary intentional focus to live and work from identity which leaves them open to compromise and outside influence. Most people let their identity be formed and influenced by culture or the latest trends, believing that I am who I am as if they are static and molded in a certain way. The reality is that we are pliable and always growing and being formed, the exciting part is that we have a choice by what and by whom we are influenced. Please do not misinterpret me, I am not saying that your identity is relative like some would like to believe. We are born as human beings, male and female. From that point of departure, we are built and shaped by what we are exposed to, focus on, and practice.
Identity gives value
It is important to remember that I am writing as a Christian that acknowledges God as the creator of all. I mention this because the identity of someone or something equals the value of that person or object.
Every person has value and is valuable because God ascribes value to them. The source in other words for our identity can and should be found in God.
The fallen state of man has robbed mankind of their identity and has left us lost in the forest trying to find our way out. Our first step to reflect on our identity is to acknowledge the value that God has placed inside each one of us and those around us.
Coach U
I want to challenge you to reflect on the value that God has placed on your life. How does that make you feel and how does it influence the way you live and act towards yourself and those around you?
Start by asking yourself:
What does God say about me? (Use the Bible as reference)
How does this influence the way I act toward myself and others?
Did you enjoy this post, why not share it with others who want to discover their identity in God.
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© 2023 Ivan Venter, All Rights Reserved.
Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash
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