What’s in an Identity?

Though we are all unique our identities, our worth, and our purpose are not found in our singularity but in our common origin; the Creator. We are created in the image of God for the purpose of magnifying His glory, not our own. If we cling to an identity outside of God, whose purpose is to build respect, notoriety and acclaim for its individual glory then is that not pride? Our search for acceptance, identity, individuality, honor and respect should be found in our pursuit of God and in bringing Him the glory, should it not? Here’s an example.

Let’s say I’m a firefighter who has saved a hundred people in my time volunteering. The local news wants to honor me in a spot on a nightly broadcast. When asked what it means to me to be a hero, what should my Christian response be? Does, “I’m just trying to do the right thing and help people in need as best I can” give the glory to God or to myself? I would imagine most would say I am just being humble but to me it sounds like the emphasis is being drawn to my efforts rather than God’s sovereign hand. Wouldn’t, “I just thank God that He enables me to be where my skills can be used to most timely serve those in need” better promote God’s sovereignty over my own?

True Christian humility is not concerned with its own reputation but in how it’s reputation reflects upon God. True submission to God is when we value God’s desire, purpose and reputation more than our own. When scripture talks of loving the Father with our whole being, this is what it means. If we are so concerned about our identity outside of Him or in spite of Him then we are completely missing the point of our uniqueness. If we, and I am preaching to myself here, want to sincerely serve and love God then even in the most mundane of tasks we will search for a way for our efforts to give glory to Him. When Paul writes, “To live is Christ” this is what I believe is meant. When we can train ourselves to “work heartily, as for the Lord” in all that we do then the potential impact God can have through us for His kingdom will be limitless! This my prayer for us all who bear His Name.