Our identities are interesting.  As Christians, should we really have identities that resemble anything of the world? On the contrary, shouldn’t our identities be solely found in our relationships with Christ?

As opposed to “the one with the newest fashions” or “the emo one” or “the artist” shouldn’t we simply be “the one who loves Christ?” Isn’t that what we should want?

Don’t get me wrong, there’s isn’t anything terrible about expressing ourselves. Some people do that through their clothes, some through poetry or music, some through how they decorate their home, etc. A problem arises when we display an identity that isn’t sincere or one that emulates popular worldly images and ideals.

I’ve recently started to realize that I spend a lot of time trying to fit in by being different. A contradiction you say? Not really. Think back to high school – the trendiest thing to be was “different.”

I often watch teenagers walk out of a popular store in the mall and can’t help but think they’re in costume. They’re donning black and white striped tights, black combat boots with half their hair shaved and the other half pointing toward the ceiling. How many people in their 40’s and 50’s do you see walking around like that? You don’t. That’s because it’s a phase. A form of self-expression.

Peel away the phases and forms of self-expression and what’s left? That’s the important question.

We’re not how we dress. We’re not what type of car we drive, what our hobbies are or what we do for a living. Christians shouldn’t have to copy trends to feel good about themselves. I completely understand the need most have to feel a little set apart from the crowd. Isn’t that Christianity in and of itself? Isn’t Christianity the greatest rebellion possible?

I Samuel 16:7  says “Do  not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For God does not see as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

God’s not impressed with our identities as they relate to the world. God is impressed with what’s in our hearts – whether we follow Him, seek Him, have compassion and show love and kindness to all people.

Ask yourself not “Who am I?” but rather “Who am I in Christ?” I’m taking a journey of self-discovery to learn that about myself. Come with me. There will be laughs, maybe tears, I will undoubtably learn more about who I am in Him…perhaps you will too.