Nothing... but him
Our identity - how we see ourselves - holds powerful influence on our attitude, choices, behavior, goals, relationships, what we wear, and where we want to be now... and in the future.
Tamara was flattered by the attention of an older man. When she became pregnant, her dad, boyfriend, and pastor all agreed an abortion was the best choice. Later, Tamara moved in with another older man. Over the course of 20 years, she aimed to please, making the circle from plastic surgeon to diet center to abortion clinic.
Jenna endured several years of sexual abuse. She became promiscuous (what did it matter?) and, in college, settled into a lesbian relationship.
Kate and her husband were successful attorneys. After the birth of their first child, Kate went into a state of depression. "I'm a good attorney," she said. "but I don't know how to be a mom."
Jill liked what she saw when she looked in the mirror. She knew the guys liked what they saw, too. Jill's mom was proud. "My daughter is so sexy!"
Ben despised himself after his wife's abortion. His failure to protect his child shaped other poor choices. Ben went to church, but sat passively in the back pew.
Jeff was embarrassed by the Sunday school stories he was taught as a child. His faith seemed disconnected from reality. When challenged by his professor, he could offer no explanation of his origin or purpose. Life on campus, and a perspective on the world, took on a whole new meaning.
We all seek identity. We want to be somebody. We want to define ourselves in some notable and even memorable way. A woman wants to be loved. A man wants respect. Both genders want their lives to have purpose and meaning. The enemy of our lives knows this.
Satan, the world, and our own sinful nature deceive both men and women. Because male and female are not the same, we are uniquely deceived. We are targeted in our most vulnerable places. We allow emotions, self-pride, and ideas of the world to shape our identity. We may find our identity in an intimate relationship, a degree, a title, a successful job, an image, or popularity. We may identify ourselves by how we look or how healthy we are. We may identify ourselves by something that was done to us or how we were treated.
What happens to our identity when we don't feel loved; can’t make use of our degree; lose our title, job or image; fall out of popularity; or fall into ill-health? What happens to our identity as parents when children grow up and become independent? What happens when how we see ourselves is shaped by mis-treatment? What happens to our identity when circumstances in life change? What happens when we define ourselves by our mistakes and failures?
Who, then, are we? What is our purpose? Where is our hope? God tells us that our identity is sure and certain. It depends on nothing... but Him.
We are His creation; therefore, we are wanted and lovingly designed. God involves Himself with each human creation and writes each of our days in His Book of Life (Psalm 139:13-16).
We are all part of the human race, all either a son or daughter of Adam and Eve. We differ predominately in gender (male or female), appearance, place of residence, experience, and work prepared for us to do. As members of the human race, we have something else in common. We are all sinners. We are born into sin (Psalm 51:5) and scared by sin. Our first parents reflected the perfect image of God. But, when they lost sight of their identity and purpose, they fell. When Eve doubted God and sinned, her world was changed by guilt, sorrow, and pain. When Adam failed to remember God's Word for life and use it, his world was also changed. But, God didn't change. His love for His creation didn't change. He didn't abandon man or woman but, instead invited them into a restored relationship as His treasures.
We are all Treasures of Christ. We are the treasures for whom Jesus Christ gave all He had (Matthew 13:44). No matter our circumstances in life, no matter our failures, no matter the sin satan whispers is "too big for God to forgive". They do not define us. Jesus Christ does. Because of what Jesus has already done, God sees us clothed in the righteous robe of our Savior and Redeemer.
Can you imagine the difference trusting this identity would make for Tamara, Jenna, Kate, Jill, Ben, and Jeff? For you? For me? There is one more thing. All of us are on a journey... going somewhere. The destination is determined by our identity which, in turn, affects the way we travel.
On the journey, we might be described in many ways by many different people. Their description most probably will be based on what they see us doing. What they see may be how we’re treating someone. (How we treat someone is influenced by our identity.) Or, what they see may be a role we're playing. For example, I am a wife, mom, grandma, friend, mentor, advocate, volunteer, citizen, and so on. What I do is not who I am, but who I am determines what I do and how I do it.
I am also a sinner. I fail God and others. Even so, my identity as a creation of God, daughter of Adam and Eve, and treasure of Christ does not change. Instead, it gives me purpose and hope.
It depends on nothing... but Him.
By Linda Bartlett