If we are fortunate to be open to it, there comes a place in our lives where we begin to discover who we really are, and just as importantly, who we are not. Identity is a tricky thing in our culture because it’s the condition of being oneself and not another.
Our culture sends mixed messages about the importance of identity. On the one hand they are always promoting those who seem like the maverick or innovative one, but then they conjure up endless ways to promote duplication of the very thing which made them different in the first place.
Identity in truth never sends a mixed message. Walking in that identity however can be daunting to look at, especially when you are meant to start walking it alone. I was reminded today of how Abram was told, “Get out of your country, from your family and from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you.” Of course Abram took someone with him. I can only imagine because he did not want to be alone on the journey.
Peter was desirous to do the same thing. He was told by Jesus, “Then feed My sheep. I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don’t want to go.” Peter looked at the other guy walking with them and asked Jesus, “What about him, Lord?” Jesus replied, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? As for you, follow Me.”
That last sentence is the one which will make all the difference in any life….“As for you, follow Me”. My own identity will always be wrapped up in the truth of that sentence. As I am obedient to follow, step by step, I find my identity. I find my character.
Scriptures Gen 12:1, John 21:17-19