Greetings from Aqueduct
"For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lost his own soul?"
Mark 8:36 KJV
Winter 2009
check out more photos here: January Snowfall
When someone asks you "Who are you?" how do you respond? What comes to mind first when you attempt to describe who you are? It is natural to want the best impression relayed. So the answer could vary, depending upon who asks, couldn't it? It is also common to bristle somewhat at the inquisition in a prideful defense. Where does that come from? It is a deep mysterious thing, one's personal identity. So, when it comes into question, no matter how innocent, it triggers something inside each one of us.
The difference, of course, comes in one's security in who they are. Some might feel secure in their impressive response, only to have placed their security in the wrong areas. For example, it is commonplace for us to believe that "Who you are?" and "What do you do?" are synonymous inquiries. Same answers for either question. Consequently, one invests a lifetime in worldly pursuits to continually upgrade the answer to this most probing question through achievements sure to impress. In this case, the individual's identity is shaped from the outside, and it creates an environment of performance-based worthiness. Don't misunderstand me, high achievement is good... can be good. What is the motivating factor behind the pursuit? Seeking to impress someone or a group? Attempting to gain approval? Compensating for a sense of unworthiness? These are unhealthy motivators.
The Truth is that God made us in His image. That is the very core of our identity. He has bestowed gifts on each person to use, NOT to gain favor with men, but to glorify the LORD. His design is for us to bring out identity in Him TO our work. It is a lie to take identity from what we do. That can lead to traps, like feeling better about ourselves because of the amount of our paycheck, or depending on the type of car we drive, or the house we live in and so on, for fulfillment. These are dead end paths-it's like junk food-no real nutrients to feed us what we need. But there is a draw to the junk food, to the fast car, to the club membership. It is feeding something. Paul calls it our flesh. He also calls for us to prevail over it, and our spirit needs to be in charge. It makes sense that whatever we feed will become the stronger, more powerful entity. One is temporal, one is eternal. Are they set against each other in a constant battle within me? Yea, verily!
So the battle rages on, and the question on my identity, where I place my security, is at stake. Hence, it is a lifelong journey where there is possibly more searching than finding. But my trust rests in knowing that I am made in the very image of my Creator. And in that truth I find security in the struggles that are in the search. It is our sincere hope and prayer that Aqueduct plays an important role in connecting people to the source of their true identity. As the word picture illustrates, it acts as a conduit that carries water(Living Water) from the source to thirsty people everywhere. Come take a deep drink and enjoy the cool refreshing truth of the love of Jesus.
In His love and service,
Drew and Liza
Mark 8:36 KJV
Winter 2009
check out more photos here: January Snowfall
When someone asks you "Who are you?" how do you respond? What comes to mind first when you attempt to describe who you are? It is natural to want the best impression relayed. So the answer could vary, depending upon who asks, couldn't it? It is also common to bristle somewhat at the inquisition in a prideful defense. Where does that come from? It is a deep mysterious thing, one's personal identity. So, when it comes into question, no matter how innocent, it triggers something inside each one of us.
The difference, of course, comes in one's security in who they are. Some might feel secure in their impressive response, only to have placed their security in the wrong areas. For example, it is commonplace for us to believe that "Who you are?" and "What do you do?" are synonymous inquiries. Same answers for either question. Consequently, one invests a lifetime in worldly pursuits to continually upgrade the answer to this most probing question through achievements sure to impress. In this case, the individual's identity is shaped from the outside, and it creates an environment of performance-based worthiness. Don't misunderstand me, high achievement is good... can be good. What is the motivating factor behind the pursuit? Seeking to impress someone or a group? Attempting to gain approval? Compensating for a sense of unworthiness? These are unhealthy motivators.
The Truth is that God made us in His image. That is the very core of our identity. He has bestowed gifts on each person to use, NOT to gain favor with men, but to glorify the LORD. His design is for us to bring out identity in Him TO our work. It is a lie to take identity from what we do. That can lead to traps, like feeling better about ourselves because of the amount of our paycheck, or depending on the type of car we drive, or the house we live in and so on, for fulfillment. These are dead end paths-it's like junk food-no real nutrients to feed us what we need. But there is a draw to the junk food, to the fast car, to the club membership. It is feeding something. Paul calls it our flesh. He also calls for us to prevail over it, and our spirit needs to be in charge. It makes sense that whatever we feed will become the stronger, more powerful entity. One is temporal, one is eternal. Are they set against each other in a constant battle within me? Yea, verily!
So the battle rages on, and the question on my identity, where I place my security, is at stake. Hence, it is a lifelong journey where there is possibly more searching than finding. But my trust rests in knowing that I am made in the very image of my Creator. And in that truth I find security in the struggles that are in the search. It is our sincere hope and prayer that Aqueduct plays an important role in connecting people to the source of their true identity. As the word picture illustrates, it acts as a conduit that carries water(Living Water) from the source to thirsty people everywhere. Come take a deep drink and enjoy the cool refreshing truth of the love of Jesus.
In His love and service,
Drew and Liza