Who are ya?
What are some of the things that make me, me?
What are the influences that shape and mould my life?
On what is my identity founded?
These are some of the things i’ve been pondering in recent weeks as I prepare for sharing a few thoughts on this theme at our youth service at church next week. Identity is a huge thing in life, something that shapes many of life’s decisions big and small – we all want to feel like we belong, we have purpose, we are valued and significant. And I guess as I’ve thought through some of the things that give us a sense of Identity, it comes down to what others think about us : status/popularity/success/money/image…..
These words found in verse 17 of Colossians 1 have captivated me somewhat, speaking of Jesus: “He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” These words speak of how our lives without Christ are missing something, He is the glue that holds our lives together, our Identity centres on Him, and without Him our lives fall apart. Other things in life : money/popularity/success/status : they’re all temporary and fail to satisfy the longing in our heart. Our hearts are restless until they find rest in Him.
So where is your identity found, something i’m pondering along the journey at present, what about you? Feel free to comment below and share thoughts and viewpoints.
Just a wee thought or two, Colin. I’m just back from Wycliffe UK Conference – our UK Director Eddie Arthur did a session on God’s Story: the Bible. The Bible is all about how God wants us to have our identity imbedded in a relationship with him. He wants to know us and for us to know him. That’s why the Father translated himself from divine into human when the Son became a human baby – so that humans could see God in Jesus.
The Kouya translation of John 1:14 says something like this: The Word of God became a human being and sat down among us.
Hope this might be of some help; if not at least I’m reminding you why we’re still passionate in Wycliffe for the remaining 2,300+ languages to find their true identity through hearing God’s Story in their heart languages.
God bless, John