December 3, 2008
“Defining Ourselves ”
IWestern culture builds on the great ideas and activities of the past. Western culture erodes as it forgets the ideas or loses the habits that ennoble it. An example of this is the Greek idea “know yourself.” How well do you know yourself? How do you define yourself?
On Sunday we investigated the detrimental effects which accompany defining ourselves by what we have lost. I hope you took some time this week to explore how you define yourself or to state what your “I am” statements are. The quality of our lives is determined more by who we insist on being, than by what we have lost.
Perhaps several of my “I am” statements will help you make determining statements for yourself.
1. Spiritually— I am a man of God.
2. Personally—I am uncompromising in my love for my wife and children.
3. Psychologically—I am committed to growing into my full potential.
4. Professionally—I am committed to accomplishing everything that God has given me the talent to accomplish.
Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote in his essay Self-Reliance, “God will not have His work made manifest by cowards.” I hope this does not sound harsh to you. I hope it challenges you to be brave enough to declare to yourself, and to the those around you, who it is you intend to be.
Doc
Dr. Dave Collings
Lead Pastor
Christ Church
