Identity Crisis
A person's identity is such a fragile concept. So many people are constantly trying to "find themselves." For 19 years of my life I'd been one of those people. Trying to find my identity in everything I did and every person I talked to. I could go through a long, dramatic list of the many identities I fell victim to throughout high school. Besides the obvious; friends, relationships, social life, and sports. I wish someone would have told me, then, how insignificant these identities are, and how satisfying an identity in Christ is.
Since I can remember, I've always been the softball girl. Everything I did and was, involved softball. But this became especially difficult after starting college. When I visit home for the holidays, I see people who knew me in high school, and the first thing they ask is, "How's softball?" In return, I give the same conditioned response, "Good." Followed by cliché assumptions, "So are you going to play in the Olympics?" or "What about professional softball?" But that's the extent of our conversation. Considering this, how could an athlete NOT find their identity in their sport? With all the looming expectations and assumptions from their peers. It felt like my success and worth was directly related to my performance on the softball field. I found that when I identified as being the softball girl, I lived in fear of life without softball or in fear of never living up to the expectations. However, as I grew to know God and live a life by His grace, He revealed an identity that is so much more satisfying. An identity where I am free to enjoy and glorify Him in unique ways. An identity in Christ.
It's also important to remember that no two people have the same identity. God calls on us to fulfill his plans in our own unique ways. We are all crafted with different talents that set us apart from one another. No one identity is the same, but we all live for the same creator. I found my identity through continuous prayer and building my relationship with Jesus. Through this relationship I was able to realize one of the most crucial aspects of my new found identity.
I no longer see softball as who I am, but as a platform. God blessed me with this amazing talent to play softball, just as each of you have specific talents. While I worked to build this platform, granted I was not doing it to glorify God, He was always watching me. Watching me turn a complete 180º and become a person willing to use the talent He blessed me with in order to glorify Him. At 21, "I now live by faith, not by sight" 2 Corinthians 5:7. I've learned three crucial things that can have a substantial impact on improving your relationship with Christ and ultimately build an identity in Him.
When your identity is in Christ, you are no longer crushed by failures and weaknesses. You will no longer get lost seeking the appealing yet empty things that this world offers because Christ gives a stable and eternal hope in a world of unstable hopelessness. "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind...." Romans 12:2
I no longer fear the future. Our identity in Christ gives us direct access to our Heavenly Father, who we can call on with confidence and with complete trust. "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control" 2 Timothy 1:7
There's no need to judge or compare yourself to others. SEEK TO PLEASE CHRIST ALONE. Comparing yourself to others is exhausting and can create insecurities. Glorifying Christ in the gifts and talents he has uniquely chosen for you is the greatest blessing. "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them..." Ephesians 2:10
I still struggle when it comes to comparison and succumbing to the attractive things this world has to offer. But one thing is for sure, I am loved. I'm able to bring glory to Christ through the gifts and blessings he has specifically given to me. Just as you are. Whether it be sports, school, or a job, there is no identity to be sought here. Avoid this identity crisis and find a new identity. An identity in Christ. "For our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ..." Philippians 3:20.