Now, what's YOUR story?

 Jason’s story: 

“What are you reading?”  Micah dropped into the sofa beside his dad and started scrolling on his phone before Jason even stopped bouncing. 

Jason doubted the question was a wide-open opportunity, but he thought, “Why not?”  So he continued:  “It’s called How to Find Yourself by Brian Rosner,” he said.  “It’s got some interesting ideas.” 

“A little late isn’t it, Pops!”  laughed Micah.  “I figure you wandered into the 70’s and never found your way out.  That’s a long time to be lost!” 

“You’re hilarious.  According to this, if I’m lost, you are too!  It says who you are is largely formed by your parents!”  Jason was encouraged that maybe his son would engage for a few minutes. 

“Oh please!  Give me a reason to live!”  Micah was still laughing but the wheels were beginning to turn.  “In my intro to psych class, we were told we have to look inward to find ourselves—then just express what we find as individuals.  What else does the book say?” 

Jason was happy to interrupt his reading for what seemed like an important conversation.   “Well, it says that recent studies have shown that what you were taught in class isn’t actually true!  It says we don’t—can’t actually know ourselves that well.  That our behavior and even our minds are shaped by our social context.  Check this out.  One Harvard professor argues that we have a psychological immune system.  It exaggerates information that confirms our good qualities and cancels information that makes us look bad!” 

“We’re deceiving ourselves.”  Despite being often distracted, Micah was actually quite thoughtful.  “Or, at least, we are a mystery to ourselves.” 

“Yeah, I think you’ve got it.  At least that’s what the author claims the science is telling us.  Makes you think more seriously about our identity in Christ, doesn’t it?  I’m not sure if that’s where the book is going.  But it sure has me thinking.” 

“Huh.  I guess I’ve heard ‘identity in Christ’ and always just thought of something superficial like the cross I wear around my neck,” Micah replied.  “Like, identifying with Christ.” 

“Well, yeah, I do think it’s more than that,” said Jason.  “But this book has got me wondering if the concept is even more than I ever gave it credit for.  If who you are has a lot to do with who you are with, then do we somehow really find ourselves when Christ is formed in us?  You joke about me getting lost in the 70’s.  But I’d say I was lost and finally found in the 70’s when I met Christ.  Maybe I’m still discovering who I am as I walk with the Lord.  Maybe the phrase we hear so often, ‘I identify as . . .’ is all wrong, and the truth is I’m identified by the most significant people around me.”  

“Okay, losing me a little . . . you get back to me on that when you’ve finished reading,” Micah said as he started to get up.  Then he sat back down.  “No really.  I want to hear more.  Lots of my friends are really trying to sort out who they are.  To be honest—it’s me too.  If we can figure out who we are, we’ll be way ahead of a dude who got lost in the 70’s!” 

The story of us all:

Everyone has value created in God’s image.  However, believers in Jesus have the unique privilege of being children of God.  We are loved, secure and significant in that relationship, being united with Christ.   

One important Scripture:

Colossians 2:9-10 (NIV) 9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10 and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. 

Now, what’s your story?  You’ve heard Jason’s story.  You know the story of us all.  Now, let’s talk! 

• Who are you?  How would you have answered that question at different stages of your life?
• Are you comfortable with your identity?  Do you feel awkward in groups?  Do you tend to be a chameleon and adapt to the people around you?  Or do you try to bolster your confidence by attempting to prove who you are?
• Have you ever experienced the pain of having your identity in a certain role or ability stripped away?
• Are you comfortable affirming others because you are secure yourself?
• Have you ever been taught, or studied for yourself what God says about who you are?
• What other identities—what messages about who you are do you consistently have to reject in favor of the truth?