Identity Theft - who are you?

We all have at least two selves. There is the one we present to the world and then there is our true essence. Unfortunately we often do not know the difference and the price we pay is very high. Nietzsche talked about people who have “hollow chests.” In his mind these were people who lacked virtue and a true sense of identity. They live life on the surface and are shallow or “hollow.” They do not know great sorrow or great joy or originality. I agree with Nietzsche’s assessment, but not with his conclusion that we can fill our chests full of authentic, virtuous character without trusting in God.

Jesus said, “He who has found his life shall lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake shall find it” (Luke 9:24). Jesus believed he was the key to knowing who we really are and the meaning of our lives. He believed he was the author of life and the one who can tell us what our role in the grand story happens to be. He tells us it requires total surrender of our attempts to find ourselves a part from him. He throws down the gauntlet in Luke 9:24, challenging us to decide if we will walk it or not. Big gate or small?

This will be my topic this week at Restoration Community Church as we begin our series, "Identity Theft." I would love to hear opinions on this topic before Saturday. What do you believe about how a person finds their true identity? What do you think about Jesus claim in Luke 9:24?

Denver Church