December 14, 2012
Identity Crisis
By Anne Lenihan Bremer

Last Sunday some of the Soby animals came to my church to help with our Children’s Christmas Program. It was phenomenal! I was privileged to handle Marcus the cow. He didn’t like the plastic tarp that was down for him to stand on so the audience got to see his rear end for part of the show. But all in all it was a wonderful opportunity and the animals blessed many families.

When we finished the program the kids got to spend some time outside with the animals. By this time Marcus was cold and tired and wanted to stay put in the trailer. It was cold outside. Luckily for me, Joy brought my pal BamBam along. He wasn’t part of the show but he came in very handy. The kids loved him. And why shouldn’t they?

BamBam is an unusual animal. Technically, he is a two year old sheep. But BamBam does not know this. He thinks he is a dog. Maybe that is why I am so drawn to him. I love dogs! BamBam follows his people around like a dog. He walks on leash and heels better than a lot of dogs I know. He plays like a dog. He gets brushed like a dog. He even comes when called and responds to his name. Sheep are not known for being very bright animals, but BamBam is pretty darn smart. Especially for a sheep.

There is just one problem; BamBam has an identity crisis. He is not a dog. He is a sheep. Many of us have the same problem as BamBam. We don’t think we’re dogs, but we don’t really know who we are. Or whose we are. Galatians 2:20a has this to say. “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” And 1Corinthians 7:23 says “you were bought for a price”. So the bible is pretty clear. We were bought for a price (the death of Jesus Christ who died for our sins) and now we no longer live but Christ lives in us.

This means we are no longer ordinary mortals. We are Christ’s redeemed workmanship. We have no excuse for having an identity crisis. He has given us identity in Him. We are sheep who have been changed into vessels worthy to carry the Holy Spirit. And we are changed by Him, through Him, and for Him. None of this is our own doing. BamBam will never be a dog, no matter how much he tries to be. But we can be different if we just let Him change us. Don’t fall into an identity crisis. If you have accepted Christ and the redeeming, saving work He’s done for you, if you have asked Him to be your Savior and Lord, He will give you a new identity in Him. It’s time to end the confusion.

As for BamBam, he will always be my favorite sheep-dog. And I’d like to give him a shout out for keeping me warm last Sunday. BamBam, you are the best Sheep-puppy I’ve had the privilege to know!