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Identity

“Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go down, because your people, whom you brought up out of Egypt, have become corrupt. They have been quick to turn away from what I commanded them and made themselves an idol...”

Exodus 32:7-8

The book of Exodus gives a picture of how easily the human heart can turn to idols. God had rescued the Israelites from their slavery in Egypt. They were witnesses of his power, glory, and love. They should have been firmly rooted in their worship. Have you ever thought that if God would just show up physically in your life, it would be much easier to worship him? The Israelites had observed God with their own senses, and yet they slipped so easily back into the worship of idols.

Simply put, an idol is anything we place above God. Pastor Tim Keller says it this way,

“An idol is anything more important to you than God, anything that absorbs your heart and imagination more than God, and anything that you seek to give you what only God can give.”

There is nothing positive about idolatry, as idols take our focus off our creator and turn it towards created things. Even good things in our lives can subtly sneak in and try to take the place of God, and that is not a good thing.

Over the next few days, we will look at some everyday modern idols that might be competing with God in your life right now. The first idol to consider has to do with identity.

Who am I?

What is my worth?

Why am I here?

These are core questions of identity. Who or what in your life do you look to for answers to these deep questions of the heart?

For many people, social media has become a daily feedback loop that can shape identity. Do we look at how many followers we have on social media and how many “likes” we get to help us answer these core questions of identity? One day, the feedback may be positive and encouraging, while the next day, it may be critical or just silent. Many of us have fallen into this rollercoaster ride of identity from time to time.

Maybe you are thinking right now, “That’s not me. I’m not even on social media.” Social media is just one source of this kind of feedback loop, but there are many other sources. Take a moment to ask yourself: Is there anything that I seek to give me what only God can give?

For you, it might be closing the big deal at work and getting the affirmation of your boss. It may be getting straight A’s at school or in your graduate program. You may want to be the hero in the state finals. You may desperately want to know that someone loves you, sees you, forgives you, or thinks you’re special. None of these are bad goals to have, but they can quickly become idols we pursue in order to prove our worth.

In the Gospel of John, some wanted to keep their faith in Jesus a secret because “they loved human praise more than praise from God” (John 12:43). They worked hard over the years to prove themselves and earn the praise of others. They quietly moved Jesus to the back seat of importance. Unfortunately, we often fall into the same trap. We begin to value what others think and say about us more than what God has to say about us. So, what can we do about these subtle and sneaky idols related to identity?

Jesus encouraged us to build our lives on the rock of his words. (Matthew 7:24-27) Identity must be formed and shaped by the solid bedrock of God’s Word.

What does God say about you? If you are a disciple of Jesus Christ, the following are statements you can claim:

I am a child of God. (John 1:12-13)

I am a new creation. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

I am Jesus’ friend. (John 15:15)

I am loved by Jesus and freed from my sins by his blood. (Revelation 1:5-6)

I am free forever from condemnation. (Romans 8:1-2)

I am a member of Christ’s Body and have a unique role to play in the Church. (1 Corinthians 12:27, Romans 12:4-5)

I can approach God with freedom, confidence, and boldness through Jesus. (Ephesians 3:11-12; Hebrews 4:16)

I am an ambassador of Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:20)

These are only the beginning! Throughout God’s Word, you will find statement after statement about who you are, how God sees you, and his purposes for your life.

Reflection:

Choose one of the identity statements listed above to reflect on throughout your day today. Read the related verse and claim the truth of this statement for yourself. In prayer, thank God for the identity he has given you in Jesus Christ.