Identity is a very deep philosophical subject but I don’t
want to write a book here so I am going to limit it a bit in this blog. I would like to keep it constrained to a
couple of ideas; who as a person we are to others and how our actions reflect
how we and others perceive ourselves.
It seems to me that these ideas are more of a chicken or egg
question. I think that who we are to
others is based on what we want to show them for the most part. But what we show is determined by what we
think would accurately reflect who we are and these decisions are influenced by
external information.
Let’s say, for example, that we think we are a nice person. Maybe that concept is based on holding the
door open for someone, or helping someone cross the street, or serving on the
local fire department, or countless other actions that are considered “nice.” So, are we nice because we chose to do these
things or are we nice because our actions are considered thoughtful or self-sacrificing
by others or ourselves? Put another way,
do we do these things because we are nice, or are we nice because we do these
things? Or is it a combination of both?
I know this is a rather simplistic example but it
illustrates how complex the idea of identity is.
Here is a simpler example.
Maybe I work on cars for a living.
I identify myself as a mechanic.
I do this because of a general understanding that someone who can make a
living fixing cars is considered a mechanic.
My view of myself and the view of others are the same. Now say I retire. I still consider myself a mechanic, but
others may not know what I used to do and would not call me a mechanic. Maybe to them I am a Retiree. If I wanted others to know me as a mechanic
again, I would need to go out and get a job as a mechanic.
Considering all this, what shapes our ideas of success, or
attractiveness, or how interesting we are.
Are these definitions part of our DNA and we “just know” them, or are
these ideas shaped by the world around us?
I think you need look no further than advertisements and entertainment
for an answer.
All these sources of media have one goal; to make
money. They all appeal to the ideas that
make us who we are and attempt to show us how to be more, have more, and do
more. By my product and you will be more
beautiful. Follow my plan and you will
be wealthy. Take this pill and you will
be slimmer. Escape into this reality and
you will be happier. Buy this car and
you will be the envy of your neighbors.
Drink this beverage and you will be like this interesting guy.
We are constantly bombarded with ideas that promise or
suggest that we will be better, who we are will be better if we do what they
want us to do, or have what they want us to have, or live like they want us to
live. What’s worse is that on the other
side of the coin, we will be less or deficient somehow until we do or have or
live like they want us to. Can you see
why there is an identity crises in the world today?
I think that creating your identity through the world around
you is what Paul was urging Christians to avoid in Romans 12:2 where he wrote “And
be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your
mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of
God”. Instead of allowing the world to
define your identity, allow God to show you who He created you to be.
Paul was not offering an alternative
either. In John 17, Jesus prayed for his
disciples and all who believe in Him. In
that prayer in verse 16, He says “They are not of the world, even as I am not
of the world.” Paul was showing that
because we are not of this world, we should not be conformed to it but should
instead be transformed by the things of God.
