Exploring our Identity

Churches the world over share similar problems. Probably the most common is the divide between the preferred styles of the older and younger generations.As a general rule, younger people like something exuberant, louder and upbeat, whereas older people are often more conservative and prefer a quieter, familiar, more contemplative type of service. In an ideal world both groups would tolerate one another's preferences and "preferring one another in love" would find some happy medium that all could worship with, but human nature being what it is, that often doesn't happen. The end result is that Churches adopt a style and attract or repel people, depending on their reaction to that style. Maybe a different blog will look at how Churches arrive at their style - an interesting debate in itself! However the main point I want to make today is that the style that you as an individual prefer is more about your own identity than anything else! Through out life we encounter "watershed" moments - times that are life changing or profoundly impacting. These times add to our sense of identity - for example, if we get married, we suddenly become a husband or wife with all that this entails - the extra responsibility and trust in us, changes (or should change ) the way we look at ourselves and others.We take on a new sense of identity. Events that surround that moment are also etched into our memory banks - places and music that remind and represent that event, when revisited, stir the memories. Of course this also works in the negative at times.
When we have an encounter with God, the style of music, preaching etc that accompanied that encounter, when revisited, takes us to the memory - not so much of the actual event, but of the sense of identity that accompanied that event. We need to realize that this sense of identity is a huge thing!  Who are we, how and where do we fit, are questions that every human being wrestles with.
The Christian might say, "I'm a child of God, my sins forgiven, my hope assured in Christ" but at times they struggle with doubts and feelings that contradict that declaration so anything that reinforces and reminds them of it becomes a valuable asset in maintaining their sense of identity. The problem occurs in that the styles of society keep changing. The greatest example of this is in the music realm. Today's music is completely different from that of 50 or more years ago! Yet many in our Churches - people that have given of their finance, time and energy to provide the buildings and assets that we enjoy today, find some of the style and sounds of modern music to almost contradict their sense of identity in God. Likewise new Christians, immersed in our present culture, struggle with music from a bygone area that doesn't relate to them.
I know Christians from all different national backgrounds. Its interesting that while they happily worship and interact in Church with us, when given the opportunity to attend a service in the culture and nationality that they identify with, will very readily accept that invitation. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with this, I'm just making the point that we all like to be reminded of, and interact with people that confirm our sense of identity! While there are many factors that contribute to our sense of identity, ultimately the only one that will count is whether we identify with Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord!

Introduction.

I have set this up to share some thoughts and ideas, that might challenge, stimulate or encourage the reader. Most of these won't be fully developed and I am hoping that others will add a comment or further insight to what I write. At the very least, I hope that it will provoke some contemplation! God bless, Greg.