I Am What I Have | Paul Walker | Identity Theft

In our consumeristic age, is it any surprise that we try to build our identity through our possessions? “I am what I have”is a central statement of our consumeristic society.  We have been shaped to be consumers and to consume. Each one of us is told through thousands of daily advertisements that self worth and self understanding are found at end of the checkout aisle. This has led us to often measuring significance and social standing based on ability to acquire stuff. But the truth is that no product or material possession can make us feel secure in our identity. The things we buy make great tools but terrible masters. Our possessions and wealth are a poor container for the ache of identity because it is not a firm foundation for our identity. We can easily lose our wealth and possessions in the next recession or loss of employment. This is why the Apostle Paul tells us not to “set our hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but rather on God” (1 Tim 6:18a) When we pursue security and identity in a product, we’ll always end up disappointed. Instead, we need a fresh reminder that who God says we are is the truest thing about us—- and the greatest gift you can receive too. We are loved by God regardless of what we have!