Stepping Stones: Who Are You?

Transformational Thought

When someone asks you the question, “Who are you?” what do you reply? Most say, I am a housewife … a psychiatrist (fill in your profession) … a father, soccer mom, or volunteer.

Sometimes a role we play in life can become our main identity. Our world then actually revolves around that part of our life ... and it can make us feel pretty good about ourselves.

Super mom ... world's best dad ... successful career person ... accomplished musician ... popular pastor ... well-known writer ... politician ... beloved teacher ... computer whiz ... helper of others: like doctor, nurse, volunteer for a non-profit, feeder to the homeless.

These can all be good roles to play—but, if we aren’t careful, they can hinder our growth and even lead to our downfall. When we start thinking the role we play is our main identity in life, defining us, our focus on Jesus and his plan for us will certainly diminish. Then pride can set in as we think this great accomplishment is our own doing. Or on the opposite end, fear can set in. We have to keep up that persona so people will know us and care about us … otherwise we wouldn’t know what else to do.

Watching the Super Bowl and these amazing athletes, you see that some of them get defined by their skill and then even develop a persona around that. Unfortunately, this posing leads them down some terrible paths. Mike Vick, Ben Roethlisberger, Tiger Woods, and OJ Simpson are a couple examples of what happens when what we do and are excel at becomes our identity and it gets out of control.

As Christians, we all have the same innate identity … we are children of God and followers of Christ. He will give us a different combination of gifts, have us grow through different experiences and situations, lead us into different roles, and give us opportunities to represent Him wherever we are and whatever we do.

But the bottom line is this: We are his children. That's our main identity. That's who we are … and nothing could be better. We need to keep that mindset and focus throughout each day, as this dramatically affects how we view the circumstances we experience and the people we interact with … everyday.

Today, think about who you view yourself as. How has this affected your course in life? If you answer the question, “follower of and ambassador for Christ”, ask if this is an intellectual answer only, or one that truly determines your thoughts, feelings, and actions in your experiences today? Make it your identity and attitude today! Your decision, choose well.

Prayer
Father, thank You for the gifts and opportunities You've given me. Help me to always remember that I am, first and foremost, Your child ... and to use these gifts and opportunities to honor You. May I never become proud of myself for anything I do. Help me to always remember that all good and perfect gifts come from You. I pray this and all prayers for the One who gives us our identity, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
So I have reason to be enthusiastic about all Christ Jesus has done through me in my service to God. Yet I dare not boast about anything except what Christ has done through me.
Romans 15:17-18