Can young people find their identity in Jesus Christ nowadays? The simple answer for any believer is Yes. The beautiful thing about Jesus is that He forms and illuminates each unique individual created by His Father. Identity defines the distinguishing character or personality of an individual. Therefore, your distinct personality is a result of Divine design made more brilliant by your relationship with Jesus.
In this era, we have vast and complex methods that may define who we are. However, the hype around identity is tied to external attributes more than internal ones. We see on social media the fixations on gender, race and status being the identity drivers. Woefully offering superficial comfort.
Listen to Can young people understand who they are in Jesus Christ?
There is a certain level of discomfort in asking Who am I? The question is heavy and gives “I’m lost.” vibes on all levels. However, it’s jampacked with a beautiful opportunity for discovery. All you have to do is let go of the fear that you might not find the answer. Cheesy as this may seem to say: God has given us the trail for discovering our true Identity. It is all in His Word. Therefore, if ever you wonder who you are, that is one of the best places to see you through loving eyes.
The framework of life is comprised of origin, meaning, morality and destiny. The four points within the Christian doctrine help form the basics of your full identity in and through your faith.
One important thing to remember is that the framework ties into belonging and participating in community. Your Identity may be an individual-aligned definition. However, all the aspects of your life, like school, work, your neighbourhood, the activities you participate in and the people in your life, become the structuring pillars of who you are. It is Ubuntu – I am because you are.
Listen to Does Jesus provide identity for young people?
We were made to live in community. Sadly, modern-day identity is often wrapped up in a lot of “me-ness” which tends to rob us of experiencing the beauty of community. A fine line exists between knowing who you are and letting your identity become a mini-god. The online rallying for individualism or excessive self-exploration produces egomaniacs. Whereas biblical identity teaches us that we grow better in spaces where we belong. People need people.
People form a significant part of your day-to-day life happenings. Sure, some may bring a little more drama than you’d like, but hey, they form part of those defining moments in life you can learn from. Think about it, your family, church community, friends, teachers, co-workers, and acquaintances. Each person has or does impact you in some way. Subsequently, some encounters with them test your character, further influencing your identity.
If you ever feel unworthy or alone, it may help to speak to someone you don’t know closely like a Counsellor. We offer free Counselling with The Child Protection Hotline.
Written by Dineo Phadimenyane.
The Fear of Missing Out, aka FOMO influences your decision-making ability and is the leading cause of young people making poor decisions online. Increasing their participation in some silly trend on social media. People join web reel creations to gain notoriety or to feel like they are a part of something. Even if that something is not tangible. Nor can it attribute positively to their lives. Sorry-not-sorry to be the […]
I Am Youth web radio is the go-to platform for today’s young adults. Our team of young, charismatic influencers is based in South Africa. We produce high-quality content on TikTok social media and YouTube. Our primary goal is to infiltrate the spaces that young people already occupy.
