John 2:23-25 Now while he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, many people saw the signs he was performing and believed in his name. But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people.
A person’s identity can be defined as their values, beliefs and purpose that directs them. The moral, ethical and spiritual values are the foundations to build a strong character. The standards and code of conduct based on the Word of God is the core of a person’s identity. Identity crisis and struggles can be overcome if we go back to the basics by setting our standards based on God’s commandments and His decrees.
Many celebrities face an identity crisis as they fail to distinguish between the ‘celebrity identity’ and their ‘true self’. The pressure of popularity, and creating a fake flawless imagery, leave their identity deformed and defective. Fame forces a façade that is difficult to sustain, hence they breakdown when the fame fades away.
Not so with Jesus. Multitudes followed Him as He performed incredible signs and miracles yet, Jesus would not entrust Himself to them, for He knew all people. Jesus did not fall for their praise and laudation. He was not carried away by the popularity and the public persona that people tried to put on Him. He refused to do anything to impress people but was directed by the sovereign will of His Father. He never performed miracles on demand but was resolute to fulfill His purpose.
Redefining Your Identity:
1. Performance: Performance based identity is dangerous. If we draw our energy from performance, failure can turn into chronic stress, anxiety and suicidal attacks. Performance based identity is pressurizing.
2. Praise: Praise based identity that seeks approval and acceptance of people is on loose grounds. It’s risky to let the desire to please others steer our course—for praise can turn into criticism and applause into condemnation in no time. Praise based identity is fake.
3. Purpose: Identity that is shaped by the promises from the Word of God will help us discover our purpose. Purpose based identity is the real you.
The questions, ‘Who am I?’ ‘Why do I exist?’ and ‘What is my purpose?’ will redefine our identity.
Prayer: Dearest Lord Jesus, Help me not to give-in to the pressure of performance or the praise of people but to find my purpose to redefine my identity. Amen.
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