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)?
- American.
- Orthodox Christian.
- Child of God.
- 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?