Tu identidad determina tu comportamiento

The Distortion of Identity and Its Impact

The Exploitation of Elephants

• Pastor Jorge Basave discusses the exploitation of elephants in an Asian country, highlighting their historical use as instruments of war and labor.

• He emphasizes a method called "breaking the spirit" of elephants, which involves severe abuse to subdue them for human purposes.

The Psychological Impact on Animals

• Describes the brutal methods used to control elephants, including physical abuse and deprivation, leading to a loss of their natural identity.

• Reflects on how this distortion mirrors human experiences with trauma and emotional pain, suggesting that many people suffer from similar identity distortions.

Human Identity Distortion

• Questions how often individuals are affected by negative words or experiences that shape their identities, impacting behavior.

• Discusses the importance of identity in shaping behavior; distorted identities lead to enslaved behaviors akin to those seen in abused animals.

Seeking True Identity

• Explores where individuals seek true identity—often in work or appearance—highlighting the fragility of these sources when faced with failure or change.

• Cites Proverbs 31:30 about the deceptive nature of beauty and grace, emphasizing that reliance on external validation can lead to an unstable sense of self.

The Role of Family and Spirituality

• Considers family as a source for identity but acknowledges that dysfunctional backgrounds can result in distorted self-perceptions.

• Raises the question again about finding true identity amidst inherited distortions from family dynamics.

Biblical Perspective on Identity

• Introduces 1 Peter 2:9, stating that believers have a new identity as God's people, contrasting it with previous misconceptions based on race or social status.

• Emphasizes gratitude for spiritual heritage over physical lineage; acceptance into God’s family provides a stable foundation for identity.

New Birth and Identity Transformation

• Discusses being born again through faith in Jesus Christ as a means to receive a pure and undistorted identity.

Identity in Christ: Understanding Acceptance and Value

Distorted Identity and Its Impact

• The speaker addresses two groups: those with a distorted identity and those who have encountered God, emphasizing that even lifelong churchgoers may struggle with areas of distorted identity.

• The need for a pure and legitimate identity in Christ is highlighted, indicating that God desires to reveal this truth because of His love for us.

Key Traits of Identity in Christ

1. Acceptance

• The first trait discussed is acceptance; the speaker notes that one of humanity's most significant needs is to feel accepted, especially from parents during childhood.

• As individuals grow, experiences of rejection can distort their sense of acceptance, leading to feelings of inadequacy when not chosen or compared unfavorably to others.

• Rejection can manifest in various life situations (e.g., sports teams), causing individuals to seek acceptance through achievements or external validation.

• Reference is made to 1 Peter 2:9, which states that believers are a chosen family by God—not based on their actions but purely by His will—offering liberation from the need for external approval.

• True acceptance comes from understanding one's worth in God's eyes rather than striving for it through accomplishments or appearances.

2. Value

• The second trait emphasized is value; the speaker asserts that everyone has inherent value as determined by whose possession they are considered valuable.

• A rhetorical question about what determines value leads into an explanation that ownership by someone significant increases an item's worth (illustrated with an example involving personal belongings).

Value and Identity in Christ

The Concept of Value

• Discussion begins with a comparison of items for sale, highlighting how perceived value can be influenced by ownership.

• A rhetorical question is posed about personal worth, emphasizing that belonging to Christ significantly enhances one's value.

• Reference to Deuteronomy 7:6 illustrates that individuals are seen as God's exclusive possession, which elevates their worth.

Determining Value

• The speaker explains two factors determining the value of something: ownership and what someone is willing to pay for it.

• Anecdote about auction prices reveals how subjective valuation can lead to exorbitant payments for seemingly trivial items.

Price Paid by Christ

• Citing 1 Corinthians 7:23, the speaker emphasizes that Jesus paid a high price for our freedom, establishing our true worth.

• Encouragement to look at the cross when feeling worthless; it symbolizes the high price paid for each individual’s life.

Rejection and Identity

• The notion of being re-labeled or devalued by others is discussed; however, God reaffirms one’s worth through Christ's sacrifice.

• Understanding one's identity in Christ leads to confidence and a change in behavior; individuals should hold their heads high.

Love and Acceptance from God

• Jeremiah 31:3 is referenced to illustrate God's eternal and unchanging love, which forms part of an individual's identity.

• The unconditional nature of God's love contrasts with human love, which often comes with conditions based on performance or appearance.

Impact of Knowing One's Worth

• The speaker highlights how understanding divine love transforms behavior; those who feel loved tend to exhibit joy and confidence.

Understanding Identity in God's Love

The Nature of Seeking God

• Seeking God should stem from love, not as a means to earn favor. Many attempt to manipulate God by demanding favors based on their search for Him.

• Our actions, such as reading the Bible or attending church, should be responses to God's love rather than obligations.

Forgiveness and Identity

• Many individuals identify with their past mistakes and guilt, which can lead to a life filled with sadness and depression.

• This identification with guilt can dictate behavior, causing one to act like someone who is perpetually guilty.

• The story of the adulterous woman illustrates how Jesus redefined her identity away from sin towards forgiveness.

Transformation Through Forgiveness

• Jesus' message was clear: He does not condemn; instead, He offers a chance for transformation and encourages moving away from sin.

• Accepting forgiveness changes one's behavior; it liberates individuals from living in guilt and shame.

Capability in Christ

• In today's competitive society, many feel inadequate. However, our capability comes from God’s empowerment rather than self-reliance.

• 2 Corinthians 3:5 emphasizes that true capability is granted by God. Paul recognized his limitations without divine support.

Strength Through Faith

• Philippians 4:13 reminds us that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. This verse highlights reliance on divine strength amidst challenges.

• Our identity is rooted in Christ's strength; regardless of life's difficulties—be it loss or marital issues—we are empowered through faith.

Rejection of Negative Identities

Identity in Christ

Understanding True Identity

• The speaker emphasizes that one's identity is not defined by societal or personal perceptions, but rather by what God says about an individual.

• Key affirmations from God include acceptance, value, love, forgiveness, and capability; these are foundational to understanding one's true identity.

The Invitation to Renew Identity

• A call is made for individuals to bow their heads and close their eyes as a step towards receiving their divine identity through rebirth.

• The process of accepting this new identity involves a prayer where one accepts Jesus as Lord and Savior, especially for those feeling distanced from God.

Responding to the Call

• Individuals are invited to raise their hands if they wish to accept Jesus into their lives, indicating a desire for renewed identity and closeness with God.

• A collective prayer is encouraged for those who raised their hands, acknowledging the need for forgiveness and commitment to follow Jesus.

Celebration of New Beginnings

• After the prayer, there is an invitation for those who accepted Jesus or rededicated their lives to raise their hands again for recognition and support.