Identity Crisis - Part 1

According to a recent article I read by Stephen Johnson, the phrase “identity crisis” was coined by Erik Erikson during World War II. Identity crisis described the disorientation of a shell-shocked soldier who could not remember his name. Applied to teens, identity crisis conjures the image of a teen so rocked by changes in life that he or she no longer knows who he or she is. 
 
This week, Johnny and I will try to help you as a parent understand two key facets to developing a biblical sense of “self” in your kids. Today I’ll address the value of admitting our depravity. Thursday, Johnny will discuss the need to grasp our new identity in Christ. 
 
Some cultures have social systems based on shame. If you perform, you’re accepted; if not, then shame on you! Embarrassment, guilt and despair fall on those who don’t perform. In our world today, parents and teachers try so very hard to do the opposite – develop a kid’s positive sense of identity based on being human. 
 
What does scripture say about this, and what should our children understand?

1. Everyone sins – There may be no more critical verse to grasp on the road to salvation than Romans 3:23. Parents and children share common ground in this regard, and this fact stands above the need to shame someone. Let’s learn a key phrase that begins with, “We all sin”. Keep this handy and don’t be afraid to use it when discussing your child’s behavior...or your own. : )
2. Because we all sin, we all need a savior – Continue down the Roman road to 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Just like our kids suffer the penalty for unfinished homework, or for getting caught in a lie, we face God’s consequences for our sin. The next part of our key phrase is, “We all sin, and that’s why we need a savior.” 

Does this undermine the development of a healthy self-image? Not at all! In fact, you create a proper understanding of self by reinforcing the fact that in our humanity we naturally rebel against God. Being in touch with our depravity only serves to keep us humble, aware of our situation, and close to our Savior. The rest of the Identity-story comes from understanding our new place in Christ. Watch for that to come your way Thursday…

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Camper Corner
Does it do us any good to focus attention on our sin? How can this help us stay in a humble posture before God?