Identity and Character Building

Objective
To get a sense of who we are: American, Christian, Orthodox and/or Children of God. To help develop our identity, values, and beliefs

Memory Verse
"Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore, the world does not know us, because it did not know Him." (1 John 3:1).

Introduction  

We encounter a type of identity struggle. This really has less to do with culture and so  much more to do with values. In order to get a sense of who we are American,  Christian, Orthodox, and Children of  God, we should be more aware of what  makes us different from others and that  we are children of the highest God.

 Lesson Outlines  

How best would you identify  yourself (Choose only one answer)?  

1. American.  
2. Orthodox Christian.  
3. Child of God.  
4. Child of your family.  

1. Why this topic?  

The development of identity is one of the main goals of adolescence.  

2. What is Adolescence?

• It is the age after puberty, where you developmental, physical and  psychological changes.
• These changes transition you from childhood to adulthood.
• It is a wonderful and very precious time of your life.
• However, it could be difficult for you and your family.
• It is important to have guidance from a trustworthy source of information during this period.  

3. Identity  

It is simply your sense of who you are. It mainly consists of three categories:

• Your Loyalty.
• Your set of values and beliefs.
• Your career.  

A. Your Loyalty  

What are you (mostly) proud to belong to?

• Country of birth
• Family
• Religion
• Church
• God  

Quiz  How best would you identify yourself (Choose only one answer)? 

A. American.  

B. Orthodox Christian  

C. Child of God  

D. Child of your family

• God loved you and  called you to be His  child
• In the baptistery, you  were born again from  Him
• As a child of God, you  have His Spirit
• You share His nature
• You enjoy His features
• You are a FREE person.
• And you will inherit  His kingdom  

1 John 3:1  Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be  called children of God! Therefore, the world does not know us, because it did not know  Him.  Romans 8:16 -17 and 21  The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if  children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with  Him, that we may also be glorified together.  because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption  into the glorious liberty of the children of God. John 1:1, 11-13  In the beginning, was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was  God.  He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received  Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God.  12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of  God, to those who believe in His name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man,  but of God.  

The answer to the Quiz  

All these options are proper  identities for us.

• However, which one should  we feel most proud of?
• Which one is more  important?
• Which identity do you  assume will lead you to  earthly and heavenly  happiness?
• It is certainly the identity  of being: The Child of God.
• Let me share with you a  quote that someone who  had a really tough life said: “You know …, although my life has been very  tough, I have a gift that many people don't have...I have been adopted by God  to be His child and I think that's enough to keep me happy despite anything  that happens in life.”  

Conclusion

• We are different because of God’s great love for us and most important is  being Children of God.  

Application  

What are some differences that we see in those around us, at school, at  church, on TV? Do we want to be more like others around us or do we want  to be the spark that makes others want to be like us and makes others  questions their own actions and behaviors?