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| What is true identity? |
Manganiello states that if we merely focus on the
surface of life and what he calls as our “family-based conditioned self-image”,
we limit ourselves to live and act in accord with that identity verses living
in accord with our souls. That
disconnection with one’s soul is demonstrated through “neurotic achievement”. Manganiello describes this as one’s actions
of seeking security and satisfaction through money, power, or any other
superficial means. Ultimately, this display
of disconnection will lead to more stress and anxiety that results in one being
more vulnerable to health problems and early death.
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| True Identity |
Understanding that the “soul” or “true identity” of
a person is defined in Christ, will help Christian counselors see past a person’s
surface identity. We will not be
affective Christian counselors if we merely focus on changing a person’s “surface
identity”. Rather, in order to be affective
Christian counselors, we must help people live in accord with their “true
identity” that can only be found in Christ.
Anything else from that will only lead to false security and
satisfaction. As Christian counselors, we are to guide our
counselees to seek that security in Christ not in things of this world.
Although we all have our identity in Christ, we were
all given the freedom to choose to embrace it or to reject it. If we so choose to reject it, instead of
living freely, we will be bound to the limitations that we ourselves establish
based on our surface identity.
Living in accord with your identity in Christ will
empower one to live with purpose, in certainty that his life has meaning because
he was given a soul “your essential identity” that will persist beyond this
world to be in union with God.
It is indeed important to incorporate both the immaterial and the material into counseling. When treating someone with an eating disorder for example, as counselors we are to go to the root of the problem which could be immaterial. We must view people as having more than a 'surface identity'. We must help our clients embrace their spiritual identity by teaching them to be in touch with their soul identity.
ReplyDeleteLorena,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your post! I think that it is very important as counselors, that we learn to distinguish between what is "surface identity" and true identity in Christ, which is "soul identity". Surface identity will not lead to ultimate satisfaction, while soul identity will help a client to recognize the love and security he has in Christ. Manganiello's theory integrates well with Biblical truth. Great job!
Lorena,
ReplyDeleteI do believe the mental and physical heath of a person is connected to the soul. AS Christians we must affirm our identity in Christ. We must teach our clients that they need to find their identity in Christ and not in society or things of this world which will fade away. I have come across some people in my life that have their trust in people and not in God and this leads to depression and many other mental problems. Christ is the only person who will not betray you! I am still learning how to establish my identity in Christ! Thank you Lorena for your post! Great post!
This is a great post! This is great to use in counseling and to be sure that we are helping our clients with both the material and immaterial parts of their identity. We are better able to meet both of those needs as Christian counselors and can ensure a more complete health of a person.
ReplyDelete