Describe Yourself in 10 Words or Less

“Your identity should always be defined by knowing God, not by what you have or what you do.” – Os Hillman

Ask a man to tell you about himself and he will most likely start with his occupation. I fall into the same trap, because when people ask me that question, I generally reply, “I am a minister.”

And yet, there is so much more to a man than his vocation. For instance, I am a husband of 41 years, a father of three adult children and three in-law children, and the proud “Papa” to six precious grandkids. I am also a sports enthusiast, an amateur historian, and a collector of sorts (baseball cards, silver dollars, and Indian Head pennies).

But Os Hillman hits the nail on the head in today’s quote, because more than anything else, I am a Child of God, purchased by the blood of Jesus Christ and born-again by His Spirit. That, more than anything else, is my true identity.

I found it interesting – and a little disturbing – to discover that according to an extensive study conducted by the Social Security Administration, men who retire early are likely to die sooner than men who retire later. These results take into account current age, year of birth, education, marital status, and race… and remain consistent across the board.

So, why is that? I believe part of the reason is that some men so closely identify with their job that once it is removed from the equation, they lose not only their sense of identity, but also their reason for living. How sad is that?

It would be far better to realize that your true identity is in Christ and Him alone because that never changes… and your profession is simply how you provide for your family and minister to others. Of course, I have the best of both worlds because ministers never really retire. There may come a time when I am no longer paid for my work, but I will never stop sharing my faith and ministering to others.

“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come!” 2 Corinthains 5:17 (BSB)

“I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” Galatians 2:20 (BSB)

“But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ…” Philippians 3:20 (BSB)

- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President