The moment we enter this world we receive a Name, the majority of us may not be pleased with our birth name; nevertheless we have a name throughout our life time. Whatever name we are presented will forever identify us; certificate of birth, drivers' license, school records, employment verification, military, marriage license and social security number. Our names are proudly etched on any degree earned and engraved on our final marking in death.
Today we are exposed to the fastest growing crime in America ; identity theft and fraud. Our identity can be compromised in many different ways; gaining access to our bank and credit card accounts, numerous online deceptions; acquiring personal information, and telephone scam. Everyday we are inundated, fearful at any time our identity can be snatched from us; confusing our lives, altering our character and creating a personal identity we no longer value. Identity thief can bring out a person's character and insecurities in ways one can never relate or comprehend, stealing from us our most treasured possession.
As we see life come and go, objects fade, materials decay, earnings disappear, we need to realize, the only thing on which we can truly depend is God's control; his love and purpose for us never change. There is no lasting security apart from God. Is your security in objects, investment or people? Ask yourself how much lasting security they really offer. Possessions and people can disappear in a moment, but God does not change; only he can supply true security. Our constantly changing world is controlled by a constant and unchanging God.
In a world where values, morals, and laws change constantly, we can find stability and security; our constant God can live in us today; he is the same yesterday, today, and forever. As God's nature is trustworthy, we are free to trust him rather than spend our time trying to figure out our circumstances. Whether you are surrounded by mighty walls of stone, a comfortable home, or a secure job, don't be so sure it will be there tomorrow. Our relationship with God is the only security we have or need.
God does not exempt believers from the day-to-day circumstances of life. Believers and unbelievers alike experience pain, trouble, and failure at times. However, unbelievers have a sense of hopelessness about life and confusion over their true purpose on earth. Those who seek after God; can move ahead confidently with what they know is right and important in God's eyes. At times we may be tempted to seek security, possessions, or our own abilities, but these we soon discover will fail us. There is no lasting security apart from our eternal God.
Today people are looking for someone to give them security in an insecure world. Our job is to point them to Christ and to show that he is the One they seek. Jesus warned against false security; we are to abandon the values and attachments of this world in order to be ready for Christ's return. Power, health, and wealth may make you feel as if you can live forever, but death strips everyone of all external security. The time to set life's course is at the beginning, the end comes soon enough. His return will happen suddenly and when he comes, there will be no second chance.
Some people invest their whole lives in things like money, success, possessions or a career. If these idols are taken away, only an empty shell is left. The only way to protect yourself against such emptiness is to invest your life in the living God whom you can never lose. The person who has no purpose in life is simple-minded; without aim or direction, an empty life and can become vulnerable to the security this world offers. Christ is (our true identity) he lives inside each believer and this identity can never be snatched from his hand.
Copyright 2006 by Christine Ulmer
