Does what we do, make us who we are?

I have this good buddy named Dave, who recently send me a notice to the effect of, "Hey bud, you need to update your blog. We need some of your wisdom." Or something like that.

And well, yeah, I agree, the world needs more of my wisdom. I have no idea how I typed that out, but I did.

Anyway, here is a thought that has been rolling around in this here brain of mine.

Does what we do make us who we are?

I've had that thought bouncing around in my head for a while now. Maybe a better way to put it is, 'Do my actions, skills, gifts, abilities, habits, or sins define me?'

Yes, I think I like that question a little better.

I'll start with a story. For several years, I worked witha guy who was very involved in a church that was a mile wide and an inch deep. he would always steer lunch table conversations to a "churchy" slant. Always. He would find ways to interject a few points. And it was always the same three points.

1. I don't smoke, that's one of the things that makes me a Christian.
2. I don't drink, that's one of the things that makes me a Christian.
3. I don't cuss, that's one of the things that makes me a Christian.

Then he would put those thoughts on new, young Christian brothers and sisters at work, and that would leave them so confused.

Then there is the other end of the spectrum that would take way too many liberties with the "Do all you do to the glory of God" thought line. And take that to mean, it's ok to smoke weed, shoot heroin, cheat on their spouse, or have premarital sex with multiple partners. Or any combination of a zillion other way out things.

So I bring us back to the question:

Do my actions, skills, gifts, abilities, habits or sins define me?

Well, do they? Does riding a motorcycle make you a biker? Does writing this blog make me a writer? Does getting fired from a job make you a loser? Does going to church make you a son or daughter of God?

What does God say?

Ephesians 1:7 (New International Version)

7In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace.

In Him. I like that. In HIM. Not in ME. Positive or negative. Not in ME!

It's really a question of Identity. Who am I really? It takes saying to yourself, 'I'm tired of what people tell me I am' and then replacing it with, 'what does God say about me?'

That will give you the answer of what defines you.