I.D.

I.D. is the abbreviation for identity or a form of identification shown to prove one's identity. All of that involves outward identification. Just one look at my photo ID on my passport, accompanied by my Visa, allowed me to enter Turkey in November as a tourist. But....I was much more than that as I carried with me my educational background, my family love, my hopes and the testimony of my faith.

There was no way the airport security personnel could look into my "core."
I "looked" the part of a tourist---not a terrorist. Had security "looked within" my suitcase they might have questioned its "tourist's vacation" contents---tea cups, kiddie books, glue, cooking chips, Bible Study guides and dish towels. Recently, in our own country we have seen how outward appearance often belies inner beliefs or intentions.

To those who know me this picture offers many outward clues to my identity---

As a Christian, I can appear at church on any given Sunday outwardly looking much the same---happy, energetic, spiritual, "together." But somedays my outward appearance contradicts my inner disarray. Inner turmoil can be brewing yet smiles and conversation keep coming. That's okay because there is a time and place to deal with difficulties--- tho church steps on a busy Sunday morning might not be the best choice, at least not for me.

Inner disarray---how blessed to have a Lord who understands and friends in the faith who faithfully pray and offer wise counsel.

Then, one's true I.D. can show forth inwardly and outwardly---beloved child of God, the identity that counts. (Galatians 3:26, I Thessalonians 1:4)

Identi-TEA : a cuppa choice

Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in His name, he gave the right to become children of God (John 1:12, NIV)

Identity is important in our nation. Safety continues to be a big concern. Identification is crucial in both air space and cyberspace. Though terrorists and hackers seem to understand how to "skirt" that issue, those on the "right side of the law" appreciate diligence.

Privacy is also a concern. We might not want people to know all about us.
Even without an official ID or driver's license, there are many indicators, along with our "outward" actions, that tell others about us.

The delivery man wearing brown, we assume, works for UPS. 
Uniforms with stripes or neon orange jumpsuits on roadsides have us thinking unsavory thoughts about the "wearers", even though we've probably never met any of those folks picking up the trash.
At the gym, colored balls signify aging and even the color of one's hand weights SHOUTS to all in sight of one's fitness level, or lack there of. 
On an airplane, I find comfort when my seat is across from one wearing a cleric color.

Identity is more than our name or initials. It's even more than our "job" uniforms or badges. It's even more than our likes and dislikes, by which others often define us.....for me, that would be berries on bushes, books, pockets in jammies, tea and the Lord. But, does having Bibles sitting around and a cross around one's neck tell the true identity. 

One's ID is not just worn or collected, it's lived out! Anyone can slip a cross around their neck and yet their actions belie this symbol.

The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7)

True identity is found in the One who gave us the right to be called children of God. Aren't we glad He knows our identity!
Actually, He's the one Who served us our very own cuppa identi-TEA.