Identity. In my opinion, identity is something that has become a hot topic in our society. The concept of identity is explored academically even at school - for the last few years HSC English has had a topic on 'belonging'.
At University, a large portion of my social studies focussed on how culture, society, and different beliefs create a sense of community and belonging to those involved. All this is true - as an Australian there is certain cultural norms that my social group takes part in that makes me feel like I belong.
Whether it is during the Australia day barbeques listening to the Triple J Hottest 100 countdown, South Coast surf trips with mates, or wearing green and gold at an Australia vs England one day cricket match, I can't help but to feel very much part of this wonderful nation of Australia. I am an Australian and I'm proud of it!
For a long time, I understood my identity to come from two places – my geographic location, and my occupation. From the occupational perspective, I am a guitar teacher. So naturally when I tried to figure out 'who I am' logically I came up with the answer 'I am an Australian, and I'm a guitar teacher'. That is WHO I AM. These were the things by which I can give myself a place in the world.
Recently, my understanding of identity was turned upside down. I was listening to the pastor at my church speak on what he termed an 'identity crisis in the church'. He explained that for too long we as believers have taken our identity by conventional methods of local and occupation. In reality though, we are not who WE THINK we are; we are who GOD SAYS we are.
Your job does not make you who you ARE; your job is merely what you DO. Who you are, is a child of the Most High God. No longer am I just a guitar teacher. Romans tell me I am a son of God, who teaches guitar. You are a not a builder. According to Corinthians you are a new creature in Christ, and you happen to build houses. You are not a project manager - you are a joint heir with Christ, and you work to make sure that road will be built on time and on budget.
You get my point – we don't get our identity from what we do; it comes from who God SAYS we are. And that's why I now understand the importance of finding out what God has to say on the issue of identity.
When we understand our identity comes from God, then our attitude towards our occupation shifts. No longer are you a CEO – you are an ambassador of the Kingdom of God, who has a CEO position so that you may be a demonstration of the power of the Kingdom in your area of influence. This shift in identity affects our day-to-day life. You no longer go into your workplace to do just your job as an electrician; rather you go in to make that place reflect the Kingdom of heaven - and wiring houses is the means of you getting into that particular place with a particular group of people.
When someone gets their identity from God, they can no longer say that they are too insignificant to be of any real use to Him. Their job is the place unique to them where they can demonstrate Kingdom identity. It doesn't matter what their job is– no matter how humble it may be, because that is not where they get their sense of worth and self-esteem.
On top of all of this, having one's identity in Christ is completely freeing and fulfilling.
What you do is not who you are; you are who God says you are – and that is much better than anything you can do.
Samuel James is a Communications and Media graduate from Wollongong now based in Sydney.
Samuel James' previous articles may be viewed
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