Identity Crisis

Since Adam and Eve, most people consistently suffer from insecurity and inadequacy. Most people do not even understand themselves very well. Most of life is spent on a search to find myself—FINDING ME! Many look to culture find themselves and to improve their own self-image. Everyone needs to have positive self-image. This takes nothing away from God. Many in the church world would suggest that self-image steals from the proper emphasis on God. I disagree.

Proper self-image is found in the believer’s relationship to God through Jesus Christ. Isaiah wrote that our own righteousness is as filthy rags (Isaiah 64.5-7). Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:21, “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. In myself, I may have good reason to have a poor self-image. IN CHRIST, I have every reason to have a confident and positive image of myself. “… it is no longer I who lives, but Christ lives in me.” (Galatians 2.20).So many things are attempting to shape my life. There are so many traps to avoid in this world. Too may societal, cultural paths lead to no where, like a treadmill. I like to workout, but I really detest treadmills. I work so hard, and get no where. Let’s examine a few treadmills that many use to try to boost their self-image…

The Appearance Treadmill is all about body image—beauty products, lotions, creams, tanning beds, hair styles, weight loss products, workout programs, etc. It is fashion—clothes, shoes, jewelry. 1 Peter 3:3 - 4 (NLT) "Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God." Status, materialism, automobiles, houses, toys, … How much is enough? Confidence cannot be purchased. Self-worth is not for sale.

There is the Popularity Treadmill. Do I matter to anyone? Do I fit in? Many sell their own soul to fit in with the “popular” crowd. Girls (women) give their bodies sexually to be with the “right” guy—athletic, funny, rich, smart. Kids will shoplift, cuss, drink, do vandalism to fit in.

Many climb the social ladder to find nothing at the top, after they achieve the status they seeking. Yet, the truly popular march to their own beat. They set the pace, and lead the parade. Everyone else is just a want-to-be.

Far too many suffer from approval addiction. This is the Achievement Treadmill. These are driven by a craving for success. Life is measure by achievement of money, awards, degrees, recognition. These are the workaholics. Muhammad Ali said, “I had the world, and it wasn’t nothin’.” The cultural route to self-worth is an endless routine of running on one treadmill or another, which never get you to your destination.

Where can a person find true identity and worth? What does God think about me? The one who created me is the only one with whom my esteem is safe. Others do not know my true value. I don't even know myself. Value is determined by the price paid. 1 Peter 1:18 - 19 "knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot." You and I are valuable, because Jesus paid the ultimate price for us.