Becoming Ourselves

Adolescence is widely recognized as a time when the young search for themselves and try to discover their identity. This process usually includes trying on different identities by changing things like dress, hair style and color, behavior, language, music, career goals, peer group etc. Some of these shifting identities are welcomed by parents, many are not, and parents often breathe a sigh of relief when “that stage is over.”

Usually by the time we reach early adulthood, we have established an identity based on factors such as gender, race, nationality, body type, career goals, religion, family loyalties etc. This identity gives us a sense of personal meaning and an understanding of our place in the world. We perform actions consistent with our identity based on our own ideas and others expectations of us. We may refine our identity over time, but seldom radically change it.

While most of us would like to change aspects of our identity, today there are an increasing number of people who are seeking total identity transformation by becoming someone else. Some people are victims of abuse by spouses, parents, family or community members, and a new identity is essential to their survival. Some people seek relief from their indebtedness, legal problems or criminal convictions. Still others like transgenders have so radically altered themselves that their old identity no longer is functional.

There are multiple sites on the Internet that provide information on how to legally obtain a name change, new Social Security number, birth certificate or driver’s license. Some sites give pointers on how to start over from scratch with a new identity by offering people strategies for how to get around difficulties like the absence of personal references, education, employment and credit information.

Other sites urge identity changers to “practice lies” such as using their new name when introducing themselves, and reciting confabulated family, personal and employment histories. They instruct identity changers to adopt new styles of dress, mannerisms, hair color, eye color, engage in a new field of work, cut off all contacts with family and friends, and move to a distant location.

These strategies are time-consuming and costly, requiring intense and sustained effort. Frequently they are only marginally successful, because changing identity is more than an external process. It requires that we become someone new, that is, we change the definition of ourselves and our beliefs about who we are. This inward, psychological change is much more difficult to achieve.

If you are unhappy with aspects of your current identity, Father God has an identity transformation process that is free, complete and doesn't require you to move, abandon your employment or give up contact with those you love. Best of all, it's not a rearranging of external information, but an unveiling of your true identity. 2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us, “Everyone who is in Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone: a new life has begun!”

Father God offers each of us the opportunity to become ourselves by accepting His invitation to receive His love and become a member of His eternal family. He longs to give us our true identity that He established for us from eternity past, before anything else existed!

Please join us this Sunday at our new service times of 9:30 AM or 11:30 AM. Our Special Guest, Jerame Nelson will be speaking on The Baptism of The Fire of God’s Love.

Pastor Che