WHO AM I? Identity politics has created an identity crisis
The great disconnect from God and His Word, the Bible, have resulted in a search for identity through collectivism. Webster definition of Collectivism is: a political or economic theory advocating collective control especially over production and distribution. Seeking power, control, respect and purpose, in the abandonment of God, the individual looks to the group.
About 3 years ago, a young lady, early teenage years, sought to educate me about the multiple genders that now exist. She had a paper filled with variations of genders, each with a description attached. She had not yet landed the plane on her own identity but was feeling like she fell between the cracks of two of them, so perhaps another gender needed to be added to the list. Her mission now was searching to see if a collective group felt the same as she did and together they would define this new gender and support one another in it.
There is a serious problem with identifying collectively; It begins by seeking identity in a group, but the need to be unique as an individual leads to a deeper search for a smaller group that we can identify with that affirms our uniqueness and yet provides a connection with others like us. The group we settle in defines us. The problem is easy to see, the individual is done away with for the collective good. The term “feeling alone in a group” is applicable here. My thoughts, ideas, weaknesses and strengths are subject to the group. Group think, group vision, group slavery, are the real results of collectivism. And no matter how welcoming the group is to your entry into it, there will be a power structure that will rule in the group and you will be subject to it.
“We’re making your group identity the most important thing about you. I think that is reprehensible. It is devastating. It is genocidal in its ultimate expression”
WHY IS IDENTITY SO IMPORTANT?
Identity keys purpose. Once identity is established the issue of my purpose is largely settled. If my identity is a warrior then it helps direct who I will associate with, what jobs I will look for, where I will choose to live, the causes i will adopt and those I will oppose. My identity will be revealed in my vocabulary, in my day to day choices and decision. Our identity will direct our life.
HOW DO I FIND IDENTITY OUTSIDE OF A GROUP OR COLLECTIVISM?
Discovering our identity, who we really are, is found in Christ alone. Christ Jesus is our life. Jesus said: “I am the way, the Truth, the Life…” There is no purposeful life found outside of Him. Life is brief and all we accumulate in life we leave behind in death. In Christ we discover life eternal. In Christ we find LIFE purpose, hope, help, complete identity. We are alive in Christ, we are separated out and uniquely belong to God our heavenly Father. We are loved by God and were created with a divine purpose.
TOUGHEN UP!
We are living the easy life. Especially in our nation and in our time. Drive throughs for coffee, food and clean laundry. Shelters that have hot and cold running water, heat for the winter, air conditioning for the summer. We are accustomed to instant access to whatever we need or want. In many respects the troubles and divisions in our world are the result of having an easy life. A life without real problems has led many to create problems for their life. We are more able than any generation in history to resolve difficult issues that arise in our lives and overcome obstacles.
Technological advances have given us an abundance of time that previously would have been directed at surviving. We don’t need to cut wood for the winter, gather water from the local stream, plough fields and plant crops. Instead we binge watch Netflix, we surf the net, work on improving the look of our social media profiles, if we so desire someone will pick up our food and deliver it to our home so we need not even step out of our house.
This ease of life has created weak character in us. We are not as tough as previous generations. We are much more moody as we are driven by our emotions. We have come to believe we are entitled to an easy life. Hardship and trials should not exist for us. We become more demanding, less accommodating. Small obstacles become excuses for us to opt out. If it is not easy, if it does not fit on our calendar, if it requires too much, we refuse to participate. Sadly, the collective group we identify with does not challenge apathy it encourages it. What we need is a sober appraisal of our Character. One that God provides us through Christ.
“For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.” (Ro. 12:3)
Toughen up! The next time you are tempted to quit remember Jesus went all the way to the cross for you. Your identity is not in your wounds, hurts, rejections. Your identity is in Christ! He alone was ”wounded for your transgressions bruised for iniquities, the chastisement of your sins was upon him”. We deserve nothing. We have been given, through Christ, everything! Look to Him alone to discover your true identity.
Alan Kirkpatrick is the Lead Pastor at Grace Place Church in Round Rock Texas. If we can be of service in helping you grow in Christ feel free to reach out to us at: email