Identity Resetနမူနာ

Where Does God Fit into My Identity?

Today, we will explore our roles and examine which ones strengthen our commitment to Christ. First, identify many of the roles or titles that you hold. Here are a bunch of examples: friend, church member, volunteer, mentor, sibling, child, parent, grandparent, employee, employer, neighbor, leader, athlete, spouse, student, classmate.

Once you’ve noted as many as possible, reflect on each one and identify how that role positively or negative impacts your relationship with God. For example, Bonita feels that her relationship with God is weakest when she spends time with a neighbor who frequently speaks harshly about others and Christianity as a whole. However, when she volunteers at a local health clinic, she lights up inside and finds herself wanting to do more to honor God. Jim feels most connected to God at church where he can freely praise God with his youth group, but at school, he finds it difficult to express his faith because some of his classmates have teased him about his beliefs.

Can you relate to Jim or Bonita? Although your story isn’t likely to identically resemble either of them, I pray that the Lord speaks to you about the ways you are influenced in positive and negative ways in each role you hold. As I went through this activity, I was surprised to notice how much guilt I felt in each role. This is common for me. I frequently feel like I could be doing more. Note the insights that this exercise brings for you. Then, commit to praying about next steps.

God wants to be part of every aspect of our lives. Yet, so often, we invite God into only portions of our lives. Have you invited God into your dating relationship, your work conflict, or your anger? God already knows how you feel. As you consider reasons why you might keep God out of certain parts of your life, I’m guessing that any reason you list will link back to shame. You know why I guess that?

All of us face shame. Adam and Eve hid in shame. So do we. But God called for Adam and Eve. And He calls for us, too. He wants us to come to Him, repent, and invite Him to help us form Godly relationships with Him at the center.

God, I invite You into my mess. Empower me to fight shame and run to You anyway. Help me gain insight to my patterns so I can stop making decisions that give me a dissonant identity. Equip me to say yes to the right roles and no to the wrong roles. Lead me where You are calling me.

Amen.