BECOMING OURSELVES By Ché Ahn

Adolescence is widely recognized as a time when the young

search for themselves and try to discover their identity. This
process usually includes trying on different identities by
changing things like dress, hair style and color, behavior,
language, music, career goals, peer group etc. Some of these
shifting identities are welcomed by parents, many are not,
and parents often breathe a sigh of relief when “that stage is
over.”

Usually by the time we reach early adulthood, we have

established an identity based on factors such as gender, race,
nationality, body type, career goals, religion, family loyalties
etc. This identity gives us a sense of personal meaning and
an understanding of our place in the world. We perform
actions consistent with our identity based on our own ideas
and others expectations of us. We may refine our identity
over time, but seldom radically change it.

While most of us would like to change aspects of our

identity, today there are an increasing number of people who
are seeking total identity transformation by becoming
someone else. Some people are victims of abuse by spouses,
parents, family or community members, and a new identity
is essential to their survival. Some people seek relief from
their indebtedness, legal problems or criminal convictions.
Still others like transgenders have so radically altered
themselves that their old identity no longer is functional.

There are multiple sites on the Internet that provide

information on how to legally obtain a name change, new
Social Security number, birth certificate or driver’s license.
Some sites give pointers on how to start over from scratch
with a new identity by offering people strategies for how to
get around difficulties like the absence of personal
references, education, employment and credit information.

Other sites urge identity changers to “practice lies” such as

using their new name when introducing themselves, and
reciting confabulated family, personal and employment
histories. They instruct identity changers to adopt new styles
of dress, mannerisms, hair color, eye color, engage in a new
field of work, cut off all contacts with family and friends,
and move to a distant location.

These strategies are time-consuming and costly, requiring

intense and sustained effort. Frequently they are only
marginally successful, because changing identity is more
than an external process. It requires that we become
someone new, that is, we change the definition of ourselves
and our beliefs about who we are. This inward,
psychological change is much more difficult to achieve.

If you are unhappy with aspects of your current identity,

Father God has an identity transformation process that is
free, complete and doesn't require you to move, abandon
your employment or give up contact with those you love.
Best of all, it's not a rearranging of external information, but
an unveiling of your true identity. 2 Corinthians 5:17 tells
us, “Everyone who is in Christ has become a new person.
The old life is gone: a new life has begun!”

Father God offers each of us the opportunity to become

ourselves by accepting His invitation to receive His love and
become a member of His eternal family. He longs to give us
our true identity that He established for us from eternity
past, before anything else existed!
 Answer the following questions.

1. What is our identity based on according to Pastor Ché?

2. Do you agree with Pastor Ché that our identities are

seldom radically changed over time? Why?

3. Changing our identity requires that we ...

4. Discuss the kind of identity you believe God has

established for us.