Do you blog because you want to write and connect and share? Or do you blog because you want to be known as someone who writes and connects and shares?
These questions strike upon the delicate topic of self-definition. So often we define ourselves according to what we do—this is appropriate if what we do is an outpouring of who we really are. But what happens when we are unsure of who we really are, and we then grab for external bits and pieces to build a self that we think is interesting?
So I’m wondering how many activities and interests are taken up merely because it would seem to be a good addition to the persona we’re working on? How often do we succumb to the latest and greatest trends and fads because we aren’t sure who we really are? All this results in much flitting about like one who is attempting to tie down a circus tent flapping in the breeze of insecurity.
This term in Bible study, we are studying the book of 1 Peter, which is a letter the apostle Peter wrote to believers who were scattered about due to persecution. He so confidently proclaims the real identity of every believer in these verses:
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. —1 Peter 2:9-10
This amazing definition applies to all who believe in Jesus Christ. The beauty of it outshines any sort of persona I might be able to patch together for myself. The difficulty comes in keeping this definition of self at the forefront when so many distractions are before me trying to capture my attention. God’s Word says that I am chosen, royal, holy, God’s own possession, a recipient of mercy, and more. But my hidden pockets of unbelief can create quite a stir in the winds of uncertainty! Sometimes I foolishly look to perishable, fallible things to tie down my circus tent. How grateful I am for God’s patience and grace when I come to my senses and realize that nothing but the imperishable, infallible truth of God will keep me snug and secure.
This is the first in a series of posts on how we attempt to define and shape ourselves.
