Identity

If people have had such negative experiences with those who call themselves Christians, it is so difficult to find an open door to share the Good News of the Lord with someone. We don’t seem to be sensitive to what we are asking someone when we share the message of Christ with them. For many people, their friends and family will out right reject them if they embrace Christ. For others it may even be even worse. A relationship with Christ could risk their lives. Most of my friends have never had to face this, I know I have not. So, how can I understand what I am asking as I share Christ with them. I am asking them to consider rejecting their identity. Whom they have been all of their lives. All of the principles, people, and purpose that they have based their lives on.

When I was sick, there was a point where I questioned everything I believed in. As a part of that, I conscious of the fact that I was questioning my entire identity. My primary identity is as a child of God and yet I cried out to the Lord in panic, fear, and confusion. I was fearful that everything I believed and based my life on was a mistake. I WAS LOST! Now, I was forced into that position through some scary events and am grateful for it in hindsight because the Lord supernaturally touch my life and tangibly reassured me in a way that only He could do. But what if that didn’t happen. What if I was convinced I was wrong, I would have lost my whole identity. I would have lost shared traditions and culture with my family and friends.

I believe followers of Christ would be wise to consider how scary it is what we are offering when we share with others. Their hearts are hearing that we are suggesting that they change how they identify themselves, who is in charge, and how they view themselves. This is some scary stuff! Or in other cases maybe comical and absurd! If I were to put myself into the place of a Hindu, Muslim, LBGTQ, Secular Scientist, or just someone whose primary purpose in life is ruled by money or family, this is a suggestion that would seem crazy and the vision of that change would be a loss of my identity.

It seems to me that someone who loves the Lord should keep in mind that we are just instruments in the Lords hands and plan and that He is the one who touches someone heart and lives and that we are along for the ride and privileged to be a part of the process. Our job is to love others, care about them, and share with them when they open the door for us. Again, we just need to follow Christ’s example.