In Search of an Identity
The issue of identity is inescapable and central to our lives. “Who am I?” we all ask. “Where did I come from? Where am I going?” Every person wrestles with these questions, and the answers we adopt determine the direction of our lives.
Today, this search for identity falls under the concept of self-image. Every person has some image of himself. It could be a healthy, positive image, or it could be a poor, negative one. Regardless, a person’s self-image determines his self-worth in this life, whether he is a success or a failure. Self-image is what affects, for better or worse, a person’s attitude and behavior toward others and life’s circumstances. With all that is at stake, it is easy to see why people are in search of a good self-image.
However, there is much debate concerning how to develop a good self-image. Many psychologists, counselors, and even some church leaders believe that to develop a good self-image a person needs to start loving himself more. As we will see, this philosophy is contrary to the teaching of the Word of God. Paul writes in 2 Timothy 3:2 that in the last days men will be lovers of themselves. According to this verse, our problem is that we love ourselves too much. So it would appear we could not develop is a realistic view of ourselves, what I like to call a proper self-image. We need to learn who we are from God’s perspective.
With that in mind, let us take a closer look at our identity in Christ.