Identity

Its strange how we all have an idea of who we are and what we look like to others. That idea is probably different from everyone else's perception, and is probably worlds apart from God's look at who we are and what defines us.

I have my foot in so many worlds that sometimes I get caught in between them all. It is dangerous to be able to lose identity and wonder who we are. I have so many ideas of who I am and what I look like, but even that changes from situation to situation and place to place. I have friends that know me as funny, or smart, or an ass, or irresponsible, or responsible. Trust me, my resume and my file at the DOD looks a whole lot different than if you meet me at a bar, or if I'm serving you at Changs.

For God it is sin, and (praise God) Jesus that defines who we are. We are given that new identity in Christ that I, by comparison, rarely define myself by. If I'm home for the night, or having to move away from Columbus to Dayton, or Dayton to a Naval Station, my real definition never actually changes. Yet I miss friends, come across people who don't know me as I would like the people surrounding me to know me, and act differently.

Not only this but I can define myself through the people around me as well. Then girls, friends, coworkers, all people I have no sacramental (marriage) or familial ties to. God has called me unto himself, and my family, and also to bear witness to the resurrection for whatever situation I happen to be in. Not to commit myself to things that are temporary, not letting the dead bury the dead, or even seeing every need as a calling.

I work hard to project an image or meet people a certain way. All of this effort to build myself up as an alter of praise, because it makes me feel good. Yet, where does Joy come from? From worshiping God as He is to be rightly praised. That is what my time should be spent doing. I am quite sure that if this was the case, I would find brothers and sisters in Christ and I would cherish those relationships. I would find joy more abundantly in trying to figure out how to Glorify God's name instead of my own, and my purpose would be fulfilled.

Sin sucks, it seriously gets in the way.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who are being protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 1Peter 1:3-5