Fri, Jul 27th - 12:20PM

Identity Myths....

Myth #1    Appearance Equals Identity...

This type of identification, where appearance equals Identity, is good when we apply it to objects; not so when applied to people, reality is hidden or disfigured. Identity and appearance are never the same. According to Identity Theft : Appearance can reflect things about a person's inner life; but even then, what is echoed in the face or conveyed by body posture is not the same as identity.

Appearance is a physical phenomenon. Identity is of the heart, where the issues of life flow from.

(Matt 5:8; Matt 12:34; Matt 15:8; Luke 6:45; Prov. 4:23)

Myth #2    Behavior Equals Identity...

It should be said that, everyone of us is the same. The only accurate measure of our condition is seen in how we behave when no one is watching and there is no chance of getting reprimanded or even found out for what we might do.

Jesus and John understood that the Pharisee's belief that they could change  their identity by changing their behavior was what poisoned their minds, seperating them from God, and leading them to make false conclusions about other people, their sect, and themselves. Jesus ignored their behavior, telling them, " God knows your hearts" (Luke 16:15) affirming that identity and the issues of life flow from the heart. (Prov.4:23)

Myth #3    Possessions Equal Identity...

This myth is an error that Jesus warned against and addressed in Luke 12:12-20. He pointed out that even when a peson has an abundance of possessions, to associate them with identity is wrong.

There is also an unspoken assumption that the sum and total of a persons stuff makes up their identity. (Mark 4:19)

Myth #4     Status Equals Identity...

Have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil motives? If you show partiality, you are committing sin. (James 2:2-4,9)

Although many people regularly show preference to one another on the basis of status, unconsciously concluding that status is a reflection of identity, yet scripture condemns not just the practice of partiality butthe very idea. God is not a respecter of persons (Acts 10:34; Rom. 2:11)

Book: Identity Theft by: Avram & Boldt (Arrow Publications)

personal thought:

If our identity is within the heart, where the issues of life flow...And the Lord judges us according to what He sees within our heart, then would it not stand true that God the Father and His Kingdom is where our treasure should be. It must also be true that what the Lord is looking for in our heart is the reflection of Himself... Where is your identity?