IDENTITY

This is a word that carries a lot of meaning. Some people understand it in one way, while others understand it in another. Through this, we can easily tell that different people are identified by different things and in different ways.

What is the meaning of the term ‘Identity?’

As earlier stated, this word carries or holds many meanings. It could mean the similarity between or among things or people , or it could mean the representation of a thing or person. In this case, I will clearly be focusing on the second summarised definition.

Identity, in this case therefore, is a reference to who or what a person or thing is, or what they represent. What could stand as priority in a person’s life is what could most definitely be used to identify them. Most people.wont realise it, but what they hold with high regard in their lives is what determines or shows people the type of person that they are or could be.

If a person loves a specific thing so much, people would obviously think that they are the best person to go to if they might ever need information in that field. From this, one can easily tell that in this way, the things we regard so highly could represent us to others eventually.

What represents or identifies a person or thing and why?

People love and cherish different things. The things a person considers ‘precious’ to them, are the main things one could represent them by.

Try to pay attention to a person’s behavioural traits, speech, hobbies and habits. These key things can help to give you a picture of who someone is. For instance; a person who is inspired so much by their favourite sports star. The behavioural traits, speech, hobbies and habits of this person will be similar to those of their inspiration.

In the same way, a person who is deeply inspired by the word of God and the work of His son Jesus, will potray this inspiration through the ways in which they carry themselves in their day to day lives. Their behaviour toward people and situations, their way of speaking to people whom they may (their family and friends) or may not know, their hobbies and habits, will all have and show some aspect of Christ-centredness.

The reason people are represented differently is because different people put many different things first in their lives. You must learn to prioritize yourself and your aspirations well.

What must truly identify a person

There are different types of people and hence, what will identify people will differ. To know what could truly identify a person; just examine their spiritual lives. Through this, you will be able to tell how this person is and how they are with certain groups of people. The way in which a person would carry themselves with regard to this field, will bring you to a conclusion and perhaps an answer to the question; ‘Does this person truly know God?’ And the answer to this question, should bring you to the next question which is that; ‘If this person claims to truly know God, do they believe in God Himself and the work of his son Jesus Christ?’ And finally, if the answer to this question is yes, ‘ Then what are they doing about it?’

It is not enough to just know God or know some things about him. One is to know Him at a personal level and not only know Him personally but also believe in the atonning work of His son, and know what they are doing about their relationship and belief in God.

You can only be identified in two ways; either you’re a Christian or not. And so it is up to us to realise in which way we are identified and ask ourselves what we are doing about it; because without God, life is empty and all is vanity.

Ecclesiastes 1:1-11