We have many ways of boosting our self-esteem, even though we may bring others down in the process. It is important that we are creating an identity for ourselves, but the result can often become a negative one when we are constantly focused on pleasing others through our identities. Oftentimes as Christians, we get so caught up in searching for the perfect identity that we forget to hold fast to the blessings and values of Christ. We focus on earthly possessions or people, and we tend to drift off course. This has become a huge problem in today's culture. Cleveland points out that over the last century, our moral standards have changed and have moved further away from traditional Christian and biblical standards. Because of this, we have developed a defensive stance toward people who pose any kind of threat to us. We are scared to go out into the world and take on the hardships that await us. This also means that we may be missing wonderful aspects of life, and that there are countless blessings that are passing us by because we are content with being in our own little boxes. In my own life, I can see this problem pretty clearly. I am often content with how my life is going, even though I am aware that there is a lot of room for improvement. My identity has primarily been shaped by Christ, but I often become caught up in the world and the ideas that it pushes on me.
Conflict becomes a problem all around the world, and I often don't know how to combat it. I want to stand my ground, but I also need to make sure that I am fighting for Christ, and not for my own gain. There are so many different aspects of culture, spreading multiple beliefs throughout the world. It is easy to get confused and to lose our foundational Christian thought. However, it is important that we continue to fight for our faith, and that we are focused on bringing glory to God. I am sometimes quick to surrender my identity, instead of standing strong for what I believe in. We are not called to surrender to the world, but to give everything that we are to Christ. He has redeemed us and He will continue to sustain us. When I focus on Him and the promises that He has made for all of us, it becomes a lot easier for me to deal with conflict in the world, while still maintaining my core identity.
Conflict is a problem around the world and we do need to remember that we do all things for Christ. We need to stop focusing on materialistic things and focus on what is really important.
ReplyDeleteI like your last statement. We can only maintain our identity if we continue to look to Christ. It has become an increasing issue in the world to look more at other people and try to find our identity in who is most popular, who does this person believe should be elected, or why does that person do what they do. It is not about all of that though and I appreciate how you touched on that throughout this post.
ReplyDeleteWell written. I think conflict around the world is especially hard when we see 'Christians' responding in such poor ways. It is during these times especially that we lean on God for guidance and support in the journey as we try our best to represent him well.
ReplyDeleteYes, so easy to get distracted by the events in the world and common responses to problems that we forget to remain focused on God's view of the problem and asking for his direction in our interactions with social problems. Another good post!
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