Three Things That Christians Don't SayНамуна

THE IDENTITY

Identity is a set of traits or characteristics of a person that allow them to be distinguished. In a nutshell, it is what we are or represent to be to others. When Jesus said, "by their fruits they will know them" (Matt. 7:20), referred to our deepest acts and thoughts, which is what we are. From that, it is our duty to truly show who we are through how we act.

Another important aspect in which the identity of young people is affected is their circle or comfort zone. There is a well-known saying that says: "Tell me who you are with, and I will tell you who you are" giving the importance of who we meet with. Our circle of friends or relatives influence our identity for better, or for worse.

I want to highlight a comparison between two characters; one influences, and the other allows itself to be influenced:

1) Jesus. The Son of God chose 12 men despised by society (cf. Mat. 10:2-3); they all had defects and things to solve in their lives, but, even so, the Lord decided to have a relationship with them. He was never influenced by Juan's strong character, nor did he let himself be carried away by the quarrel between Simon the zealot and Matthew the tax collector; and he always kept his identity intact.

2) In second place, there is Samson, the strongest but weakest man in history. Why do I express it this way? Because his physical strength was the most important thing for him, forgetting the most important thing: pleasing God. He fell into Dalila's hands, and that cost him his eyes, his enviable strength, and his life.

Many decide to please their "friends" by dismay decide to please their "friends" by displeasing God, but it is better to be a Christian and not be accepted, than to try to be what we should not be. "Greatness in the kingdom of God is measured in terms of obedience" (John Stott), and that obedience determines our identity. Pleasing God, but it is better to be a Christian and be left behind, than to try to be what we should not be. "Greatness in the kingdom of God is measured in terms of obedience" (John Stott), and that obedience determines our identity.

- Richard Paredes.