Identity

I really enjoy reading the articles at Passionate Homemaking but today's really caught my attention. Titled Finding Your Identity in Christ, the topic has been on my mind since I read it this morning.

When I thought about how I define myself or derive satisfaction, it's in my to-do lists. What I can do. What I am doing. What I've done. Did I complete today's to-do list? Am I on top of my homemaking schedule? Am I able to complete this challenge or that opportunity? When I succeed, I feel on top of the world. When I fail, I get depressed.

This quote hit home the most:

"God loves us so much that he willingly crushed His only Son so that we might be his and that this love isn’t based on our worthiness or performance. His loves does not fluctuate from day to day. It was settled the moment he set it upon you before the foundation of the world…If you neglect to focus on God’s love for you in Christ, your Christianity will soon be reduced to a program of self-improvement – just one of many methods to help you “get your act together”. Although that may be worthy, it is not true Christianity.” (Elyse Fitzpatrick)

Ouch. A program of self-improvement. Yes, I would say that's how I live my life. Legalism, rules, and to-do lists. Trying to improve myself enough that I will be accepted by God. I even pray that God will not give up on me, begging that He will still love me when I fail so often.

Thankfully, the article doesn't just convict me that I have a problem but offers a place to start on finding a solution. Down at the bottom, the author included a list of Scripture passages to study and also recommended a Christian book. I have not read the book, but I'm going to see if my local libraries carry a copy. If you struggle with this issue of misplaced identity as I do, maybe the article will also help point you in the right direction.

A final quote from the article: True transformation and freedom of our self-focused perspective can only come as we meditate and claim God’s love for us. When we cling to Him, lift our eyes off ourselves and simply have faith in that love, our thoughts, mindset, and feelings will be transformed. Let’s not loose sight of the gospel!