What Defines Me?

The question "What defines me?" sounds a bit theoretical and, thereby, impractical. I don't view a theory as something that necessarily leads to impracticability. But, I admit, theorizing is often only a "head game."  Yet, asking deeper questions of myself has often produced valuable insights.

As you may know I "play" on a pool team. I put "play" in quotes because that is the very question I want to address. Is billiards indeed, in my case,  an activity that justifies the word "play"? I suppose billiards for me is like golf or tennis is for others. It is a kind of obsession. Before I began playing competitively, pool was not only fun, it was extremely relaxing. The very act of clearly the table of its brightly colored balls cleared clutter from my mind. I left the pool table feeling as though my life was back in order.

After two humiliating defeats the other night I sat on a stool and sulked. I am reminded on how Jonah sulked when God killed the plant that gave him shade. While enjoying my pity party, I said to myself. "Self, pool does not define you!"

Then I began to ask myself, "What does define me?" Is the quality of my performance as a son, a husband, a father, or a grandfather. They are far more important to than playing pool, but, no they don't essentially define me either. Is it my role as a pastor, certainly not! Is it my relationship with God through his precious Son To that I say the loudest "NO" to that possibility - I suck at righteousness. I feel as St. Paul said he felt - I am the least among all Christians unworthy to called a Christian if that status is based on my performance as one.

Well, what does that leave me; how I am truly defined? I am saved by the finished work of Christ on the cross. Is that enough? Your darn right it is!  I am what I am (that is worthy) because God is Who he is - not because I am who I am.