Identity...

“its not who you are on the inside that matters, its what you do that defines you” – said to Bruce Wayne in the movie Batman Begins.

In today’s culture we often find identity and value based on what we do. “We are what we do.” I don’t think this is the case. We are exactly who we are on the inside, it’s just a bit hard to know what that is because we cannot see it, we can only see the evidences of it in actions. This may just sound like semantics but it is an important distinction to make in order to find satisfaction and contentment. I understand that we may think that on the inside we are kind, generous, a good driver… when on the outside our actions do not show it and there is a truth to be found in the actions. Our actions are very good indicators of who we really are. They teach others and even ourselves who we really are on the inside but the actions themselves do not define us.

What does define us? Character, those internal values that direct your motivations and actions. Who I am will determine how I do what I do. Let me explain. It is no more spiritual to be a missionary than it is unspiritual to be a plumber. I can be a prideful missionary or a resentful plumber. The telltale of a person is not what they do but how they do it. A generous person is generous in all things and at all times. Who you are is revealed in everything you do and in every response. I can do many good things while still being a person of weak character. This is being like the Pharisees. They thought they were good because they defined themselves by what they did. My goal is to be a man of great character throughout whatever God puts in my path whether humble like Brother Lawrence, or great like Paul.

My identity is found in who I am on the inside yet we focus so much on accomplishments. God calls us to give to the poor yes, but only as the overflowing of a heart of love, compassion, gratefulness… When I read the words of Jesus I realize that the ‘Law of Grace’ requires obedience to not only the letter of the law (actions) but the spirit of the law (character). We must dig deeper and get beyond the actions to the truth of our own character.

In order to train my heart in the invisible aspects of being rather than in the visible aspects of doing, I have an interesting practice of asking “who do I want to be on the inside?” and thinking about the man I hope to be at the end of my days. I think about who he is rather than what he has done and ask the question, “how would a person of that character respond in this circumstance?” not how would they respond in action but how would they respond in heart, because that will dictate the action as well as the motivation behind the action which is character and lasting and important.

Action alone is meaningless unless it comes from a good and obedient heart. An obedient heart is what God has called us to, not to achieve results because God can get results with or without us. He wants to form the inside, my real identity, to be who he wants.

-Eric

Rest...

I have always been amazed at the greatness and sovereignty of God. He has been a very real and present help during the last couple months of crazy schedules. In the Bible study I am leading with the interns here we are reading through the whole Bible in 7 weeks. The consistant theme I have been seeing is the extent of God's love and sovereignty. He accomplishes all things with purpose and reason with the end always being so "they will know that I am the LORD". That they will understand the extent of his love, mercy...

Obedience becomes easier when I maintain a view of the shortness of this life, the sovereignty of God, and his enduring love for me and my family. This mindset brings me great peace and rest because I know that I cannot ruin God's plans. During this Christmas season the birth of Christ takes on a fresh meaning as I futher explore and understand this pivotal moment in God's design for time and how it reveals and fulfills what God has been trying to say to his people all along.

-Eric