I’ve been redefining myself.
It’s easy for artists to find our identity in what we create. It’s natural. But that’s not healthy. When we create something sucky, our self-worth plummets. If someone doesn’t like our art, we feel worthless. No, it’s not healthy to define ourselves by what we make.
The natural solution, and the true solution, is to find our identity in Christ. We are loved no matter what we make or destroy. He loves us, oh, how He loves us. It’s true.
But I don’t know about you, I need something measurable. It’s my nature. I want to gauge how successful I am. And since God’s love for me will never change, it’s impossible to measure my effectiveness.
But I also don’t want to slip back into measuring myself by what I create. Oh, the dilemma!
So this is what I’ve been doing. I’ve been redefining myself. Instead of what I create, I’m measuring myself by character. I’m measuring myself by things that exist no matter if I’m working or relaxing with my wife. I can actually gauge that.
My personal character marker is this: encouragement. I realize everything I create, every time I talk to someone…I want to encourage them. That’s what drives me. And I can do that with or without my art. So if I go blind tomorrow, I’ll still be able to encourage people. My identity isn’t wrapped up in fickle things. My identity is wrapped up in character. Did I encourage someone today? I’m on the right track!
I’m not perfect. I’m working through this daily. But it’s a journey I’m on. And I’ve found so much peace in it. Won’t you join me on this journey?
Don’t know what you want to identify yourself by? Pick encouragement. The world can never get enough encouragers.
Let’s do it, guys and gals! Let’s find our identity in eternal things.
Great post! I as well am in a spot where I’m learning who I really am and what it really means to “find my Identity in Christ.” It’s been tough and somewhat confusing. I’ve learned so far that our identities cannot be found in the things we do (your example being art) but are rather found in something unchangeable. Character sounds just like the right answer! I definitely love the idea of finding something measurable. Consider me in in this journey! Keep up the identity posts, it’s something artists and Christians need to hear and talk about!
Great post! I as well am in a spot where I’m learning who I really am and what it really means to “find my Identity in Christ.” It’s been tough and somewhat confusing. I’ve learned so far that our identities cannot be found in the things we do (your example being art) but are rather found in something unchangeable. Character sounds just like the right answer! I definitely love the idea of finding something measurable. Consider me in in this journey! Keep up the identity posts, it’s something artists and Christians need to hear and talk about!
Its true. this helps my ministry and on how i lead and influence people to be reminded that each one of us is created with different core of creativeness.. 🙂 thanks Jonathan 🙂
Its true. this helps my ministry and on how i lead and influence people to be reminded that each one of us is created with different core of creativeness.. 🙂 thanks Jonathan 🙂
I can so relate to this. Pretty much feeling the same way.
I can so relate to this. Pretty much feeling the same way.