“Let your life be a stepping stone to Christ and not a stumbling block.” 1 Cor. 8:13 & 10:31

WILL THE REAL ME PLEASE STAND UP – Part 1

By Pam Kanaly

It was the mid-1960s. I sat in the living room of my house on 2417 Duncan Street waiting for my favorite television game show, “To Tell the Truth.” Three contestants graced the stage all posing to be the same person but only one emerged as the true identity. Today’s TV shows are no different. Mankind is still in search of authentic realities; you know: the real American idol, the real dancing star, or the real survivor. But what if a new show came out next season called, “Will the Real Me Please Stand Up.” I wonder who would watch it? William James interestingly assessed, “When two people meet there are really six people present. There is each as he sees himself, each man as the other person sees him, and each man as he really is.” Who are you? God deposited an authentic you when you gave your life to Christ. Can you imagine living your whole life being another you? Talk about being an imposter!

Consider these truths in discovering the core of your true personhood.

Determine your maker. Who put you together? If you were made in the image of a wristwatch, then you would observe the watch maker and study his techniques in order to learn more about yourself. But you are made in the image of God, so observe His attributes and personality. It’s only as you discover His identity that you find your own. Colossians 3:10 – “And you have been given a new self according to the likeness of God.”

Select your authority. Who or what is the ultimate source that determines the way you live and the values you hold?Most people turn to one of three avenues in choosing the voice of their authority: their conscience, their culture; or their Christ. The only way to know the real you is to know the real way. John 14:6 – Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life.”

Practice your eternity. Which realm do you live for? If you chase after the temporal, then you will thrive on fortunes, fame, and fabulous toys. But if you live in light of the eternal, you will pursue Christ’s promises to come, God’s privileges to enjoy, and His provinces to rule. By rehearsing eternal thoughts the real you experiences its fullest dimension. 2 Corinthians 4:18 – “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen if eternal.”

Pam Kanaly is co-founder of Arise Ministries, a ministry focused on single moms and author of “Will the Real Me Please Stand Up.” Book available at your local bookstore; 10 Week Bible Study available through www.ariseministries.net.