SIMPLY BE YOU

IDENTITY CRISIS EXPERIENCE

Today many people are confused about who they are because they have allowed themselves to be defined by their circumstances, surroundings or labels put on them by others.  Let's take a look at a few examples of men who were in identity crisis and how they responded to the crisis.

Moses was the son of a Hebrew slave who through circumstances was raised by Pharaoh's daughter.  When faced with a crisis, he knew his true identity which led him to his purpose and refused to continue under the identity that he was named.  

His Response to crisis: 

Hebrews 11:24 (KJV)

By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;

 

Joseph was the son of Jacob who was loved and because of the jealousy of his brethren caused him to encounter a journey of identity crisis.  He was challenged by the continuous change of circumstances that he had to adjust so he could maintain his identity.  He was dropped in a pit, sold as a slave, thrown in prison and promoted to governor. Yet he didn't forget his upbringing or his heritage.

Genesis 39:7-12

And it came to pass after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me.But he refused, and said unto his master's wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand;There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her.And it came to pass about this time, that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and there was none of the men of the house there within.And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out.

Daniel was a young man who was captured along with some others and taken into Babylon. Despite the instructions given to the prince of the Eunuch, he refused to change his standards to what was introduced as the finest and best.

Daniel 1:8

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

There are several other men and women of scripture who chose to keep their identity and were not challenged by their surroundings, circumstances or environment. They did not bow down but rose to the challenges faced even when faced with diverse adversities.  

How about you - How are you challenged? 

Do you change with the times? (how and why were you affected)

Are you a different person in different environments?

Are you defined by what others say to or about you?

TODAY'S FOCUS:  LIBERATE YOURSELF

Are you at a crossroad trying to make a decision that can affect your identity? '

The above scripture experiences reflect that the circumstances or what they were exposed to did not change their identity because they knew who they were.

THE REMEDY FOR IDENTITY CRISIS IS TO SIMPLY BE YOU!

Refuse to wear someone else's identity.  Moses did- David also did when Saul wanted him to fight the giant Goliath with his armor.  He chose what he was confident in. Like the old adage states, "be confident in your own skin."

Are you confused by the labels others have put on you?  You are in a crisis because you are beginning to identity what others have said to be truth about you.  As a result you are becoming a prisoner to your thoughts, habits and words spoken.  

Chose to liberate yourself by simply being you.  Wear your style, speak your dialect and use your own accent.  You don't have to disguise yourself or pretend to be who you are not.  Trying to be someone else will prevent you from living a full life. You will be more vulnerable and prone to mistakes because you will not be free to operate as you.  

Like a tomato are you wondering if you are a fruit or a vegetable? Someone has probably told you that you are too black, too white, too skinny, too fat, to religious or perhaps you are not good enough, smart, righteous, rich enough etc.... Don't listen to the voices and opinion of others.  Don't be pressured to choose or switch to please.  

Remember, your surroundings, heritage or circumstances does not identify you.  You are who God says you are.  You trust, confidence and hope should be in simply being the you that God has created.  You are a unique person and was created for a specific purpose - Be the best you! 

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel