Identity plays a crucial role in our lives. Our identity defines who we are and essentially becomes the basis for our worth. Webster's Dictionary defines an "identity crisis" as "confusion in a person's mind, especially in adolescence, concerning his or her social role and true self." Are we not all in an identity crisis as some point in our lives? We are all searching for our true role in life. Who am I? Why am I here? What is my purpose? All of us have asked these questions longing for an answer.
The world offers a myriad assortment of answers for your identity. Everywhere we turn, images and words are bombarding us trying to tell us who we should be. Television, Hollywood, magazines, social media and our friends are constantly dictating the standard for what is acceptable. Day in and day out we relentlessly and tirelessly attach ourselves to these perceptions, striving to fulfill them and make them a reality in our lives. But we are never satisfied or fulfilled and we are constantly hungering for something better. This terrible struggle results in two devastating problems.
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One, the perception of what is acceptable is constantly changing, so we can never hit the mark. We cannot possibly keep up with all the frequent changes. One day, we are important and valuable, but the next moment we are outdated and no longer useful. Two, this erratic identity NEVER satisfies or fulfills our longing for worth. It's like trying to fill the ocean -- it's impossible. A vicious cycle ensues as we constantly try to adapt and find fulfillment based on what others determine is important and acceptable, but never meeting the mark. Finally frustrated and carrying an unbearably heavy burden of inadequacy and failure, we drag ourselves through each day, tired and disappointed because we feel so empty and worthless. This isn't the way God intends for us. He has a better plan.
It would be tremendous if you could grasp, for even one moment, the power and freedom that comes from believing that God says you are valuable. |
God originally created us as valuable. He created each and every one of us in His image and likeness, special and unique! Think for a moment about your favorite artist (or musician or architect). Every time you see their work, you immediately deem that their work has value. Why? Because you know the artist and his ability. Therefore, you do not question his ability or skill. It doesn't matter what other critics say about the (art)work because you know the one who made the piece is brilliant and creates beautiful pictures. Now imagine you are the piece of art and God is the Master Artist. Because He made you in His likeness, you are innately and inherently valuable to Him. Can you take hold of such an amazing truth? It would be tremendous if you could grasp, for even one moment, the power and freedom that comes from believing that God says you are valuable. The God of the universe, the Creator of all that lives and breathes, Who holds together every atom has declared YOU valuable. But there is even more!
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When we believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we have new worth (identity) as a child of God. Believing what God says about you gives you assurance, validation, freedom and peace. You no longer have to scramble after the changing trends to find worth. The perspective others have of you does not matter any more, because no person on heaven or earth has more knowledge or authority than God!
Consider one more thought. It is magnificent to know that God created you special and valuable. But merely having an intellectual, head knowledge of these facts, while not truly believing them in your heart, makes them powerless to change your life. That is one reason why Jesus Christ seeks a personal relationship with you. By seeking Him as a Person and not merely as a religious icon or a religious duty, His truth about who you are begins to take root in your life and flourishes. Give God a chance to reveal Himself to you and listen! He may be speaking to you already, but you are not listening.