Who Am I? Who Are You?

People are constantly seeking to "find their identity." One day it's in their successful business which is making money hand over fist, that is until the stock market crashes. Then suddenly that business adventure, along with their money and their latest and greatest toys, go sliding right down the drain.

But they quickly bounce back seeking their next newest and greatest identity. Possibly in furthering their education. They pour themselves into studying and learning so they can be crowned the head of the class. Until that gets old and boring, and it's time, once again, to move onto a completely new identity.

Striving to define who they are in any way they can.

Financial status

By the thoughts and opinions of others  

Good grades

Successes

Relationships

Jobs

Increasing the number of friends and followers on any and all social media sites

Appearance

When our identity is driven by the opinion's of others or by our experiences and successes, our identity will constantly be changing. We won't be able to keep up with who we are!

We won't

even

recognize

ourselves!

Granted, I think it's safe to say that we all like to be liked.

No one I know would turn down a job promotion. 

We desire to be successful and make a difference through our lives.

We take pleasure in being complimented by others.

There's absolutely NOTHING wrong with any of those things, UNLESS that's what we're basing our entire life upon.

Living for the next "at a boy!"

Waiting for the next friend request on social media.

Crushing co-workers in our way up the corporate ladder.

Crossing off that relationship and jumping right into the next one desperately looking for Mr. or Miss Right!

As a Christian, if this is our mentality in finding our identity, then there's a problem.

A very

HUGE

and

DANGEROUS

problem!

Since my chronic illness dictates what I can and cannot do. Sets my boundaries and limitations on any given day, I figured that's who I was. So I set out to get anyone and everyone to completely understand ALL "the ins and outs" of my illness! Which is complete foolishness and PRIDE!

I placed my identity in these website blogs and checked the stats WAY TOO OFTEN to see how many shares they were getting because I greatly desired for them to be successful! Which is complete foolishness and PRIDE!

I looked for my identity in how others perceived me. Being overly concerned with what others thought of me. Wanting to be liked by all. Which is complete foolishness and PRIDE!

I'm very thankful the Lord has been working in my heart for quite some time concerning this issue of identity, and I give Him all the praise for how He's helping me to place my identity EXACTLY where it needs to be!

I may be sick and live with some rather odd symptoms, limitations and be home bound much of the time, BUT that's NOT who I am!

I'm NOT identified by my appearance.

I'm NOT identified by the success of this website.

I'm NOT identified by my education or degrees which I earned.

I'm NOT even identified by my service for the Lord. 

As someone

with

a relationship

with

Jesus Christ,

my identity

is found

in Christ

and Christ

ALONE!

"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."
Galatians 2:20

Several months ago I met Chelsea on a social media site. After conversing back and forth a few times, we quickly became really good friends!

Chelsea shared with me on numerous occasions that she truly desired to be more open about her relationship with the Lord, but was concerned she would lose even more people in her life due to their rejection of her spiritual walk. I think we can all relate EXACTLY to what Chelsea was facing.
I know I can!

I'd like to share what she wrote about two weeks ago on social media! 

"I’ve been thinking about this for a while and decided I either need to delete this account or use it as I really desire to.

So I have a confession ... I’ve been an extremely filtered version of myself on here for fear that if I’m really me, I’ll lose the few connections I have left in my life.

But if I can’t be me to keep them, then I never had them to begin with. 

Because of what He’s done for me, I’m passionate about Jesus, Biblical truth and how that plays out in our world and the body of Christ.

I’m passionate about current political issues. I see how they affect the very freedoms I have to practice the beliefs I do.

And as I see Christianity being categorically mocked, misrepresented and attacked both in mainstream and social media, while watching freedom of speech disappear, the importance of using my voice while I still can weighs heavy on my heart.

I was reminded today to make the,
"most of your time because the days are evil.”
Ephesians 5:16

while

"speaking the truth in love."
Ephesians 4:15

So as I’m able, I plan on using this platform to speak freely what’s on my heart.

I’m positive I will unintentionally offend some of you. I’m sure my views won’t align with many. But my hope is that mutual respect, care and a willingness to listen can still be shown regardless of where we may disagree. Because I see these qualities disappearing and it truly grieves me.

But if I must keep people’s favor or friendship by my silence I’d rather not have it.

A voice is too important a gift."

Chelsea found her identity in Christ and she was willing to stand up and speak out even at the risk of losing friends.

About a week or so after Chelsea posted this, she shared with me that she had the opportunity to share the Gospel with someone who was interested and asking questions!

THAT WAS

NO

COINCIDENCE!

That was the Lord SMILING BIG upon Chelsea's step of faith and giving her the opportunity to put her identity in Christ to good use!

So where,

in what

or in who

is your

identity

found?

"For I

am His

and

He is mine

bought

with 

THE

PRECIOUS 

BLOOD

OF CHRIST!"

---

If you have been helped by this post and think it could be helpful to someone you know, please share this post on the social network of your choice for me.

All you have to do is click one of the buttons below.

May God Bless You,

Barb