With nearly a billion people on Facebook alone, social network sites have become the norm for keeping people connected and sharing the happenings of our everyday lives. However, there can be a disconnect between who we are and our digital selves. Status Update is a look at our identity- who we are, what motivates us, what we are thinking about, and what we are sharing with others.
For many the message that as Christians we are God’s child (Galatians 4:7) and in Christ we are alive free of the penalty of sin (Romans 5:18-19) is revolutionary. By finding identity in Christ we are no longer self-focused on our own desires, but instead on the teachings of Jesus. J shared that “our identity is not in what we do, but who we are in Christ.”
We continued this journey of discovery by taking a look at the question of our motivation in life. We easily see how humans can place higher priority on our wants and desires causing hurt in the world. We determined that we must then be refocused from ourselves to God and to loving others.
“The mind is a battlefield” – a memorable quote and good reminder to be aware of the things we are dwelling on. Dave encouraged us to focus on the scripture and allow the meaning to change our thinking, “Jesus is breaking social barriers – reconciling people back to God.” When we change our thinking, we will change how we treat others.
The final week of Status Update focused on what we are sharing with others. The temptation to hide behind a digital persona can mean we are living lives clouded from who we truly are. Todd reminded us to “live life as an open book” keeping nothing hidden. Transparency is difficult, but sharing the truth is powerful. As we live Christ in our lives, His identity shines to others.
How would you answer these questions:
What motivates you?
What is your identity?
What motivates you?
What are you thinking about?
What are you sharing?
Let us find our identity in Christ.
Blessings,
JB