Day 204 - FOUNDATION STONES IN A YEAR

Reading: Genesis 1 

Now before we move on to the next major purpose of the baptisms, let’s unpack this important matter of identity a little further.  Have you ever been through a time of life where you experienced an identity crisis? Perhaps when you first got married, moved to a new town, lost someone very close or started a new job? It can be really disconcerting and unsettling.

An identity crisis is described as “a period of uncertainty and confusion in which a person's sense of identity becomes insecure, typically due to a change in their expected aims or role in society.” Your sense of self, identity, refers to your perception of the collection of characteristics that define you. Personality traits, abilities, likes and dislikes, your belief system, your moral code, the things that motivate you, your network of relationships..these all contribute to your unique identity as a person. 

People who can easily describe these aspects of their identity typically have a fairly strong sense of who they are. Struggling to name more than a few of these characteristics might point to a less defined sense of self. You may not spend much time consciously thinking about your identity, but it still affects your life. Knowing who you are allows you to live with purpose and develop satisfying relationships, both of which contribute to overall good emotional health. 

However, identity also goes far deeper than that. Identity is intrinsically who you are, not just who you perceive yourself to be. And this is why it is intimately connected with God and how you, as an individual, relate to God. It is God who made you, who carved out your identity, in the first place. You will never really know yourself until you know God. And the baptisms act as the means of immersing in God and thus, discovering yourself. 

Prayer

Father God, I ask that You would define and strengthen my identity, and my sense of identity, as Your child this month. 

For the family

Explain the study in an age-appropriate way then watch this age-appropriate video  about identity together. You can do some of the exercises suggested.