Layers of Experiences Can Create our Identity
Transformation is an identity marker for a Christ-follower. That transformation is evidenced by the transformation of our daily practices in life, which for Paul is the utmost expression of worship.
Romans 12:1 indicates that all of life’s daily practices are an expression of worship. Christ followers are to present their whole nature, every aspect of life, in a sacrificial expression to God. This implies all of our experiences and interactions with creation. But those daily practices are formed in some manner. How they are formed is a reflection of our identity.
This formation happens both externally and internally. Formation happens externally through the schemas and programs of this world. The behaviors of others imprint upon us the patterns of behavior. These schemas can be positive or negative. Each of these external behaviors work to form our understanding of self. Experiences also contribute these running programs. Both negative and positive experiences add additional layers to our programming. Our understanding of self is enhanced or degraded based on these experiences.
It is out of these schemas and programs that not only are our understanding of self is formed, but this understanding forms our identity. Our identity is a reflection on how we perceive others think of us. If we perceive that others think of us as the smart person in the room, we may push ourselves to know a lot of information about a lot of topics so that we can maintain our perceived identity. Of course, often we have to let others know that we know a lot of information about a lot of topics, so then we are perceived as a know-it-all. Regardless, our behavior is an understanding of our identity.
Paul urges us to not let the external factors form us. Our identity, and thus our behavior, are to be transformed internally through the God who created us. It is an internal metamorphosis, It is accomplished through the transformative power of Gospel and the work of the Spirit in our lives. The Spirit converges experiences, relationships and the Gospel to bring healing to our emotions, which in turn brings transformation to our thoughts. We are able to control our thoughts when our emotional memory is healed. The schema of the world, which has imprinted painful experiences and thoughts upon us, is healed and transformed so that we think about ourselves differently than in times past. A different understanding of who we are reveals the transformation in identity. This transformation will produce different behaviors, more in line with the one who created us. Our identity, now defined by the Spirit, allows us to live out who we were created to be and in doing so, we accomplish the well-pleasing will of the one who created us. It also leads to a wholeness and peace in life.
