Word of the Year: Identity
From the desk of Jordy Barksdale, Director of Campus Life & Ministry:
It was announced today that the 2015 Word of the Year was “Identity.” This word, according to the CEO of Dictionary.com was “the clear front-runner.”
You may not have searched for the word online, but you definitely searched for it all year long. All of us did. All of us have an identity, but most of us assign ourselves identities that only go as deep as our interests or political stances. We say things like “I am a Republican” and then go on this exhausting attempt to make sure we are defined as such in the minds of other people. We post on Facebook, put a bumper sticker on our car and talk about it excessively with our friends and family. It becomes something to identify with, something to be associated with.
Culture tells us differently
The year 2015 was significant for American culture. We saw the Supreme Court adjust their stance on same sex marriage, we saw celebrities change their “identity” to fit what they believe to be their “true self” and we are still seeing unrest due to racial disturbances across the country. This has polarized communities because we feel the need to pick sides. You can be on the team that hates the media, or the team that accepts all types of marriages, or the team that thinks all politicians are the enemy. Regardless of which you choose, ultimately you’re on a team. We want to be identified as someone who thinks a certain way or who has a unique stance on an issue. Individuality and distinctiveness are both highly valued in our culture today. We find this sense of belonging to be associated with people who are like-minded and who have similar interests. This intrinsic desire is what makes sororities and fraternities work so well. You are loved and supported by people because you have associated bonds with them through your interests and desires. God gave us the desire to belong and that desire can only be satisfied in Him.
What is Identity?
As believers, our identity is found in what Christ has done for us on the cross. Our identity actually has nothing to do with our desires, emotions, skin color, country of origin, family background or anything else we want to associate with to find our worth. While, these things are significant to who we are, they shouldn’t ultimately determine our behaviors and beliefs.
Identity is the definition of ourselves that will determine our behavior, self-efficacy and beliefs. Our behavior is a by-product of how we view ourselves. Our identity will determine our purpose in life. If your identity is currently found in being the creative, fun mom that has children that are the closest thing to angels, who cooks and cares for their family perfectly, your purpose will be to further that identity. If your current identity is found in being a successful business man who continues to grow sales and brings higher paychecks to your employees, if that’s how you view yourself, your purpose will be to continue achieving success. If you know that your identity is found solely in being a child of the God, your purpose will be to bring him glory.
What is my Identity?
Dictionary.com defines identity as the condition or character as to who a person or what a thing is; the qualities, beliefs, etc., that distinguish or identify a person or thing.
If, to the core of who I am, I view myself as Jordy, the Director of Campus Life and Ministry, I will adjust all of my behavior to fit that role. I will put my hope in the success of Brook Hill and the students I get to minister to. I will be distraught at any comment that is said that would try to separate me from this identity. I will fight to maintain that identity, finding my value in my job. But instead, my identity is Jordy, a child of the King, bought at a price, forgiven and set free. He is the Director of Campus Life and Ministry. Once I have a correct view of myself, I will be able to properly value what is important and then live out the roles the Lord has called me to.
To properly define ourselves, we have to properly understand the person of Jesus. Our identity is wrapped up completely in his love and grace. He is the Holy Creator who determines our identity. We actually can’t add or subtract to it at all. No political stance, previous sins, sexual desires, passionate opinion can form your identity. You were bought at a price for a reason – to bring all glory and all honor to Jesus by the way we live our life. That’s it.
I think it comes as no surprise that the 2015 verse of the year, according to the YouVersion Bible app, was Romans 12:2, which reads “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect.” In your fight to know your true identity, remember that Scripture makes crystal clear to us what our identity is in Him. Please let me share a few with you:
- I am created in God’s image. Genesis 1:27
- I am not defined by my past. I have been made new! 2 Corinthians 5:17
- I am in the family of God, a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. 1 Peter 2:9
- My purpose is to proclaim the excellences. 1 Peter 2:9
- I have been called out of darkness into his marvelous light! 1 Peter 2:9
- I was fully known before I even made it to the womb. Jeremiah 1:5
- I was appointed a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah 1:5
- I am a child of God. 1 John 3:1
- I was bought at a price. 1 Corinthians 6:20
- I have been crucified with Christ. Galatians 2:20
- I have been raised with Christ. Colossians 3:1
- I am God’s workmanship. Ephesians 2:10
- I am fully known. Psalm 139:1
- I am created for good works. Ephesians 2:10
- I was created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:24
- I have received the Spirit of adoption as sons. Romans 8:15
- I am redeemed and called by name. Isaiah 43:1
- I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14
- I am the work of His hand. Isaiah 64:8
- I am a fellow citizen. Ephesians 2:19
- I am a member of God’s household. Ephesians 2:19
- I have been made alive with Christ. Ephesians 2:4
- I am holy and blameless. Ephesians 1:4
Articles used as resources:
http://www.cnn.com/2015/12/08/living/word-of-the-year-dictionary-com-feat/index.html