One of Hecht’s four frames of identity is a communal group. (1). Being a Christ-Follower is a great example of this. According to 1 Corinthians 12:12 (NIV), “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.” Christ-followers individually bring different things to the table, but are part of a larger group, the body. This body of believers takes on the same identity in Christ. Although each believer has his or her own personality, they are all grouped together as one “body”. The body can be commonly referred to as Christians or Christ-Followers. This communal group, “Teach[es] us rules regarding the ‘right’ way to behave.” (1) One Christian has the same basic morals, beliefs and rules as the next Christian. That is how many outsiders, and even Christians themselves, can identify other Christians.
Aron and Aron's 1996 study has "Shown that a fundamental human desire is to broaden our experiences and extend our identities." (2) This is the epitome of why Christians have sought to have a personal relationship with Jesus. They realize that there is more to this life; that there is a purpose and hope for their being beyond their own self. In search of finding this understanding, they find God, which leads me to this next verse, "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future'" (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV). Trusting that God has a plan for my life shows that my identity is in Christ. Below is a song by Chris Tomlin called “I Will Follow”. Tomlin, a Christian, knows that he is part of God’s larger plan and sings how he will follow it no matter what. He also sings about finding life, freedom, and joy in Christ. By mentioning this, he is accepting that there is more to life than just the day-to-day activities and that there is more to this world than just self.
Aron and Aron's 1996 study has "Shown that a fundamental human desire is to broaden our experiences and extend our identities." (2) This is the epitome of why Christians have sought to have a personal relationship with Jesus. They realize that there is more to this life; that there is a purpose and hope for their being beyond their own self. In search of finding this understanding, they find God, which leads me to this next verse, "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future'" (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV). Trusting that God has a plan for my life shows that my identity is in Christ. Below is a song by Chris Tomlin called “I Will Follow”. Tomlin, a Christian, knows that he is part of God’s larger plan and sings how he will follow it no matter what. He also sings about finding life, freedom, and joy in Christ. By mentioning this, he is accepting that there is more to life than just the day-to-day activities and that there is more to this world than just self.
Please see "Citations" page for references.