Identify & Know who you’re NOT
Lately I’ve really been trying my best to identify with Jesus. There’s really no good reason to identify too closely with any other person or ideal; that just leads to no good. I guess you could say that Jesus knew who he was, He knew who his father was who was the one that sent him to earth and he knew what he was supposed to be doing. What an example!
The other day I read that scripture from Proverbs 4:23, “Above all else, guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life.” I’ve heard many sermons on this, and relating to many aspects of life. But if you think about it for a minute, our heart is what gives us life, all parts of our life are related our heart, physically and spiritually. If our heart is not in tune with Jesus, it is impossible to become like him. And if we don’t know Him, how can we know what true life is all about or find purpose in the life that we have?
Of course there’s more to this. Following Jesus’ example, we should know who we are, and who we are NOT. The first part of this comes up often in my conversations with God. I am always talking to Him about knowing who I am and knowing my purpose. But what about knowing who I’m not? That might be good, so I don’t try to be somebody else. There’s nothing worse that someone who’s trying to be something they’re not. When we are not being like Jesus in this regard, we can easily fall into the comparison trap, or the copying trap, or the trap of trying too hard to live up to other’s expectations of us. Has this ever happened to you?
I am preaching to the choir here.
So, how do you develop a good understanding of who you are?
Great post, Freddie. Really encouraging. The best way I understand who I am (or am not) is by asking Ruth. She plays it straight for me and tells me when I’m trying to be someone else. She’s such a gift to me and often confirms what God is trying to get through to me. Also, I’ve been amazed at how Paul found his identity – a bondservant who trusted his master.
Chris said this on May 12, 2009 at 9:21 pm
Yes, the comparison part is a rough one!
love you!
Netta said this on May 19, 2009 at 9:45 am
Hey girlfriend! It’s been a while. I’m updating my friend blog links and found your new address. This is definitely going to be one of my favorite sites to check from time to time. You have some very thought-provoking and encouraging posts.
The only way I think I can measure who I am NOT, is by looking back to old blogs or prayer journals. Thanking God that I didn’t move forward on an MBA program, because that’s just not who I am. Thankful that I don’t have awesome pipes for singing so it doesn’t go to my head. Thankful that my quirks are used to glorify Him and connect with others instead of making me feel like I’m just weird (who I AM). That’s all a little vague, but time is the best measurement for everything, in my opinion.
Michelle Zeglen said this on May 23, 2009 at 5:38 am