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Think about some of the codes or edicts you live by. Think about the standards you conform to and ask yourself “do they define who I am, or reflect who I am?”

Are you being true to yourself or compromising who you are to meet the expectations of others?

Many people adhere or conform to the expectations or the edicts of others and in turn they become defined by those expectations and edicts. Yet there are others that create their own “code” to live by based on who they are. When it comes to the Christian walk, each person has a different stride, a different pace and a different path. As Christians, we are called to live by the commands of Christ and the teachings found in the scriptures. In this way, we are “adhering to the edicts or expectations” of God’s word through Jesus Christ. But that doesn’t make you who you are.

Your sense of humor, your intelligence, your education, your work ethic, what you find funny or deplorable, all of these are part of your unique personality. A personality that was influenced and molded by your family, peers, romantic relationships, and what you learned growing up (and what you continue to learn).

I meet many Christians who are simply walking the walk because that’s what the Bible says to do. And they are doing it in such a way that they lose their identity. They read the Bible every day, pray every hour on the hour, are in church every time the doors are open and give their tithes like good parishoners, whether they want to do any of that or not.

Then again, I meet quite a few people who refuse to change that sinful part of them, refuse to turn from some of the ways that are harming them, simply because they refuse to adhere to anything the Bible teaches.

In an ideal world the Christian could be every bit as faithful and dutiful as instructed in God’s Word, but at the same time, be a human being.

Colossians 3:5-9 words it this way:

Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices.

The Bible doesn’t say don’t laugh, don’t watch TV, don’t tell jokes, don’t be human. It says to turn from our sinful nature and live in, through and walk with Christ.

Each person has their own walk. I pray each finds their own way through Christ without changing all that makes them unique. Find Christ, but don’t lose yourself.

REV. BARRY VASSAR can be reached at fitzgeraldmemorial@ gmail.com.