How Do You Define Yourself?

How do you define yourself? People tend to think in categories, but don’t see that the parts make up the whole person — the man or woman or child who represents Jesus everywhere they go.

By What You Do

Let’s say a Christian man named Todd gets up in the morning and kisses his wife and kids before heading off to work. At home, he views himself as a family man.

As soon as he slides into his Lexus and revs the motor, work responsibilities crowd his thoughts. Now he views himself as a businessman with deals to close. But first, the expressway. He “transforms” into a NASCAR top driver, racing others for the open spot ahead of him. In the evening he and his wife head to a church small group that he leads.

A family man, a businessman, a highway hellion, a small group leader – in reality, he is one individual with many perspectives of himself. Do you define yourself by what your do?

By Whose You Are

We are much like Todd. We define ourselves by the things we do instead of who we are. As Christians we tend to do Christian things in church and small groups, but we’re not always cognizant of being like Christ when we relate to our families or work or highway.

This is important to understand because we represent Christ to the world, hence the title Christian.

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God (2 Cor. 5:20, ESV).

As we begin to think about who we are in Christ and what our purpose for living is, we give a more accurate reflection.

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Cor. 10:31)

And as we reflect Jesus’ love at home and in our workplaces, neighborhoods, at Starbucks, and on the highways, then others may want to know Him too.

Be open to share your story – the good and the hard. The hurting world needs to hear it. The hurting folks in your church need to hear it too.

TODAY’S QUESTION: With whom will you share your story today?

photo credit: CarbonNYC via photopin cc