I read a story about Joseph Stalin where I learned some interesting facts. Stalin's real name was Iosif Dzhugashvili. He was born and raised in the Russian province of Georgia. His father was a drunkard, a failure who would play on his son's sympathies, and he was also very abusive. His mother was strict, very religious, and did domestic work. He was an only child and a good student. He had almost no role models from which to develop a positive identity.
At his mother's urging, he entered a Theological Seminary to study for the Russian Orthodox priesthood, but, like most of his fellow-students, had no use for the dull, restrictive life there. Instead, he read a novel, The Patricide, by Alexander Kazbegi, and was deeply impressed by a character named Koba.
Koba became his god, giving his life a new meaning. He wanted to be a second Koba, a fighter and hero to whom others would look up to, he even called himself "Koba", wouldn't allow others to call him anything else, and kept that name well into his thirties.
This was an important step in the journey of Iosif Dzhugashvili's becoming one of history's most murderous tyrants. His failure to find a positive identity and the adoption of a fictional, revolutionary one led to a life of total and utter destruction that destroyed many others' lives.
How can we develop a positive identity that will Bless us and make us a Blessing rather than curse us and lead us to lives that destroy? What better person could you identify with than our LORD and our SAVIOR, JESUS The CHRIST? Let us strive to follow HIM, to imitate HIM and to be in The FATHER'S Will.
You will gradually find the identity that was intended for you and become the person you've always longed to be. This is the road to your true identity! Will you walk it?
FATHER GOD, Thank YOU that I do not have to look to novels, movies, textbooks or TV programs to find my identity. My problems in my childhood may have robbed me of the identity YOU intended for me, but I do not have to be deprived forever. I will look to YOU and to those who Love YOU in Truth and learn from them. Please help me, Guide me & Strengthen me! Thank YOU for all that YOU are. I Lift YOUR Name On High. I Pray to YOU, in The Precious Name of YOUR Son, YESHUA, JESUS The CHRIST. Amen.
Reading 1 Corinthians 10:31-11:2…
At his mother's urging, he entered a Theological Seminary to study for the Russian Orthodox priesthood, but, like most of his fellow-students, had no use for the dull, restrictive life there. Instead, he read a novel, The Patricide, by Alexander Kazbegi, and was deeply impressed by a character named Koba.
Koba became his god, giving his life a new meaning. He wanted to be a second Koba, a fighter and hero to whom others would look up to, he even called himself "Koba", wouldn't allow others to call him anything else, and kept that name well into his thirties.
This was an important step in the journey of Iosif Dzhugashvili's becoming one of history's most murderous tyrants. His failure to find a positive identity and the adoption of a fictional, revolutionary one led to a life of total and utter destruction that destroyed many others' lives.
How can we develop a positive identity that will Bless us and make us a Blessing rather than curse us and lead us to lives that destroy? What better person could you identify with than our LORD and our SAVIOR, JESUS The CHRIST? Let us strive to follow HIM, to imitate HIM and to be in The FATHER'S Will.
You will gradually find the identity that was intended for you and become the person you've always longed to be. This is the road to your true identity! Will you walk it?
FATHER GOD, Thank YOU that I do not have to look to novels, movies, textbooks or TV programs to find my identity. My problems in my childhood may have robbed me of the identity YOU intended for me, but I do not have to be deprived forever. I will look to YOU and to those who Love YOU in Truth and learn from them. Please help me, Guide me & Strengthen me! Thank YOU for all that YOU are. I Lift YOUR Name On High. I Pray to YOU, in The Precious Name of YOUR Son, YESHUA, JESUS The CHRIST. Amen.
Reading 1 Corinthians 10:31-11:2…
