What Defines you? (old post #10)

"It does not define me." It is a simple statement, but in the past few weeks, it is a statement that has caused a variety of responses. Typically the conversations will go something like this: Other person says - "You can't do that, it will kill your career, and you won't get promoted or get xyz position." Me - "That may be true, but those things don't define me. They are not the reason I do what I do." Other person now in a rather defensive posture and tone, "They don't define me either, but ..." Other person says - "You can't get out of the military until you served your 20 years, because you will miss out on that retirement check." Me - "I am not worried about money. If I feel like God is calling me out of the service early, then I am going to follow. He has never left me begging for bread, and I am certain He will provide for me in the future. It just does not define me." Other person - "It does not define me either, but God can call you after your 20 years."

The statement "It doesn't define me" elicits the most unique responses. I get everything from agreement to a fierce defensive posture. Now to be fair, I understand why this statement would cause such a defensive posture. It can be seen as negative and even semi-accusatory. It is strange though, because most of the time I am talking about myself. I am just trying to help someone understand that what means so much to them does not necessarily mean the same thing to me. What gives their life meaning is simply different than what gives my life meaning. What I find is that what gives their life meaning is something a little less than eternal (money, job, title, esprit de corp).

I have never been offended when I have heard the words, "It doesn't define me" from someone else, because when I talk about what gives my life meaning, "It does define me." Since I left high school, I have sought nothing more than to follow God where I feel he is leading me. I could write pages and pages of his unique, and faithful leading. When I was asked what my plan B was, I have on more than one occasion said, "There was no plan B, I was all in." When it comes to following God's lead, I am all in, and that is what gives my life meaning. Being all in with God is something that is eternal.

​I am not perfect, and I can tell when I let other things start to creep in. I start wondering what I should do to make the next rank or job, and I get caught up in thinking I am in control. I forget that every time that I have followed God's leading that he has not forgotten me. He has always provided for me more than I could ever imagine. I find true peace when I am all in with God. I have been called fatalistic, but I can assure you that fatalistic is something I am not. I am all in with God. That defines me. What defines you?