Define Yourself

RPM , Volume 11, Number 6, February 8 to February 14 2009 Define Yourself By Jim Williams Editor's Note: We all have thoughts – some good - some bad, but nonetheless they are thoughts. Our thoughts should be reflected upon and dealt with biblically (Rom. 12:1-3; Gal. 6:3; Phil. 3:12-17; Phil. 4:8-9; 2 Pet. 3:1, etc.). ‘Just Thinkin' Out Loud' (spelling of ‘thinkin'' is purposeful) is a series of thoughts that are being made public. You may or may not agree with all of the thoughts you read in this series, but it will help all of us to discuss them – out loud. The hope of the author and editors at IIIM is that this will assist all of us to begin personal reflection upon our own thoughts and compare them with God's perspective in Holy Scripture. Readers are encouraged to use small discussion groups and/or our RPM forum for any irenic discussion(s) of these specific thoughts and others they may bring about. I found it interesting recently that a pastoral search committee of a local church found it necessary to have the members of the church define the church. What did they want that for? It seemed an odd request then, but not now. What the committee members wanted was to know who they were representing as a church. What was its personality? Was it conservative, liberal, evangelical, orthodox-who was the church? Herein is an assessment of a body of people that has an application to people as individuals. I have come to know myself as a creative individual by the pleasure I have taken in creating. I, direct, produce video, act and speak, and I love doing those things. What did my intense enjoyment in these activities tell me? They helped me realize that I was created as a creative individual. I love all the expressions that I have a talent for. I am driven in my heart not only to create, but to serve the living God with these abilities. There is an old piece of advice that says "Know Thyself." It is good advice. I think a major phase of it is "Define Thyself." Identify your strengths, weaknesses, drives, gifts, loves, hates, talents, tendencies etc. Ask yourself "what manner of person did God make me to be?" Is math agreeable with me? Does literature appeal to me? Sometimes you will find a talent for something that you did not know was there. Once you begin to get answers, follow the exhortation of Romans 12:1-2 and see what God can do with you and your talents. It will take discipline and devotion to carry this through to full self-realization, but those are the flesh hooks that keep living sacrifices on the altar. So go, therefore, and know thyself. However, it would not hurt to first define thyself. This may take a while, so give it some time, and some thought. Tell me what you think, I'm just thinkin' out loud.