Self-Esteem, Suffering, and the Gospel

Biblical Identity refers to the defining ideas, labels, and relational roles which make our actions or emotions seem right and natural. Identity, when healthy, remains constant even when circumstances and peer groups change. Identity should remain stable when no one is looking, everyone is looking, when you are with the love of your life, or an ardent enemy.

Identity is one of the defining marks of human motivation. We act out of who we think we are. Identity is one of the primary ways that the heart expresses what it loves most. Identity is a primary way that we make choices and judgments; often before we are conscious or intentional about either.

By identifying ourselves as a loser, a salesman, a good/bad parent, an athlete, a dunce, the guy who knows how to get things, or other label we implicitly make many choices. Those identity statements exclude some options and make others seem “obvious.” Changes in identity have a strong gravitational pull upon our behavior and the emotions.

A good way to begin to identify your sense of identity is to consider how you introduce yourself to strangers. What are the roles or stories you share about yourself? What do you want to know about other people? These questions reveal your instincts about how you define yourself and relate to people. Another question that can reveal one’s source of identity is, “How do you define success?”

• Health of key relationships
• Occupational accomplishment
• Educational advancement
• Sports allegiances
• Hobby involvement / skill
• Political stances
• Socio-economic status
• Appearance, attractiveness, attire, etc…

You may be wondering, does identity have this much influence? Think back to the last time you heard someone speak out against a popular position. The response was likely some form of, “Who do they think they are?” This question was often raised against Jesus, “And the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, saying, ‘Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?’” (Luke 5:21, cf. Matthew 21:10, John 12:34).

It is common to trace from actions back to identity. But this is an assessment we usually only do in retrospect (after the action in question). What may feel new or awkward about this chapter is that we engaging the question pro-actively; seeking to intentionally forge a biblical sense of identity in order to promote a Christ-honoring life.

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