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In our society it seems like the single most important thing to us is our identity. The Cambridge University Dictionary defines identity as the reputation characteristics, etc. of a person or organization that makes the public think about them in a particular way. Those that know us or know of us, what did they think of us, who are we to them. Famous athletes, singers, or other people of notoriety are known for what they do. If we are one of those people that we know that is how we are identified, but there is a big problem there. What if something happens and we can no longer be who we were known for?

For example I’ve heard that quite a few athletes that were either professional or on their way to being professional that either were injured and can no longer play the sport or are retired because of their age. All of a sudden that identity is gone and a lot of them go through very difficult times trying to find out a new identity. I know a lot of people who are totally obsessed with either a sport or sports in general,  knowing about movies and actors, or something similar. Also when we base our life on a particular person and make that person our identity rather than making them a part of our life while allowing them to keep their own identity, such as we do in marriage, it can be extremely devastating. I’ve been there and done that but remembering the good times and always keeping that person in our heart always helps.

Basing our identity on things of this world will always get us into trouble if not right away, eventually. Things of this world are always temporary and when we base our identity on them and something happens to change that we are left in limbo with no apparent identity. However if we focus our identity on eternal things such as God and make them our true identity we will never lose it. 1 Peter 2:9 says;  But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Another Scripture that I like is the apostles Paul’s letter to the Colossians 3:1-4 which states;

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

I think our identity will always be very important to us, but I think we need to consider very seriously what is our identity and what do we base it on, something temporary or something permanent. That becomes the critical question.