Do you ever make a list of things you want to accomplish? Of clubs you want to be involved in? Of places you want to go? I do. Most people I know do too, whether it's a daily "to do" list to a bucket list. Sometimes we let these lists depict our life and especially our stress level. Seeing everything you need to get done in that day or week is really overwhelming and it is super easy to focus only on those tasks. And it's totally okay to make lists and stay organized and on top of things BUT only if those lists do not control your life, what you do, and who you become.
Coming into college, I made a mental list of all of the clubs and activities I wanted to do and just looking at all of the options stressed me out. I wanted to join the Rhythm Dance Troop (but decided against it) and many others, but I narrowed it down to YoungLife, Outdoor Adventure Club, and Women in Aviation because that's all I can manage without losing my sanity. However, I know many people who join many clubs and organizations to find their identity and to have a purpose, but I hope that you realize that you shouldn't join clubs just to become somebody. Those clubs aren't who you should become. You should use your identity to become somebody in an organization and benefit it, instead of letting that organization club mold you.
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So, what's your identity? it is not the cheerleader for the football team. it is not the president of your class. it is not how many scholarships you received. no, your identity is in Jesus Christ. You are God's son or daughter. You are loved. HE created you with a purpose in this world, to change the world, to spread His love and disciple. Your identity is made up of the skills and abilities, your interests, your personality - all of which God created you with. None of those things come from your check list or that organization you were involved in. Not your work, not your role in your family, not your community, only Christ because our identity is not what we do but who we ARE - sons and daughters of the King.
Just look at these Bible verses:
- 1 Cor. 6:19-20 says, "19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;20 you were bought at a price." YOU ARE NOT YOUR OWN. The Holy Spirit is in you! That is part of your identity!
- 1 John 3:1 says, "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! "
- Ephesians 2:10 says, "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works,which God prepared in advance for us to do." God created us in HIS image; therefore, we are perfectly made. Isn't it crazy to think that God knows every little detail about us? He knew exactly what we would be like, look like, and act.
If you are ever confused about your identity or who you are, remember that it is NOT based off of where you are from, the things you've done, the lists you've made, or the clubs you're apart of.
I hope that when someone asks you who you are, you don't immediately think "president of ATO" or "I was on the Auburn Dance Line" or "I founded this club," but instead think, "my identity is in God and I am His." just acknowledging that is important, and I hope you always remind that. if you're not sure exactly who you are or who you want to be in Him, then just keep searching and seek after Him.
