Who Am I Beyond What I See: A Christian Take on Identity Crisis
"But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’" - 1 Samuel 16:7
In a world obsessed with appearances, it's easy to fall into the trap of equating our identity with what we see in the mirror. We often forget that our true essence lies much deeper. As Christians, how do we navigate this terrain of identity crisis? This is where our faith, anchored in scriptures like 1 Samuel 16:7, offers a profound perspective.
The context of this verse is crucial. Samuel, tasked with anointing the next king of Israel, naturally looked at outward appearances. But God's choice, David, was not who Samuel expected. This serves as a powerful reminder that God’s vision transcends human perceptions.
So, who are we beyond what we see?
Firstly, we must understand that external attributes do not define our identity. It's not about our jobs, looks, or achievements. These are transient and can lead to a shaky foundation if we let them define us. God looks at the heart – our character, intentions, and faith. This is where our true identity lies.
This perspective is liberating. It means our worth is not a fluctuating stock market, dependent on external validation. Instead, it's a constant rooted in who we are in Christ. You are a child of God, wonderfully made and deeply loved – irrespective of what the world says.
But how do we align our self-perception with this truth?
Regular Reflection and Prayer: Spend time with God. Prayer is not just about speaking; it's also about listening. Through prayer, we can gain insight into who we truly are in God's eyes.
Read and Meditate on Scripture: The Bible is replete with affirmations of our identity in Christ. Verses like Psalm 139:14, which tells us we are "fearfully and wonderfully made," remind us of our inherent worth.
Community and Fellowship: Surround yourself with fellow believers who see and affirm your identity in Christ. They can encourage and remind you of your worth when you forget.
Serve Others: Often, we find our identity in service. By focusing on helping others, we shift our perspective from self-centeredness to God-centeredness.
Embrace Your Uniqueness: God created us with different talents, personalities, and paths. Embrace yours! Your uniqueness is a part of your identity in Christ.
Let Go of Comparison: In a social media-driven world, comparison can be our downfall. Remember, your journey is unique. Comparing it to someone else's is like comparing apples and oranges.
Remember that identity in Christ is a journey, not a destination. There will be days when you feel confident in who you are in Him and days when you doubt. That’s normal. The key is to keep returning to the truth of God's word and His unchanging view of you.
So, who are you beyond what you see?
You are a beloved child of God, chosen and cherished. Your identity is not in the transient but in God's eternal love. Embrace this truth, and let it guide you through any identity crisis.
