Deindividualization

Deindividualization, is a huge word with a pretty simple meaning.
The definition: "In groups or crowds, the loss of awareness of one's own individuality."

That's a pretty powerful word and a pretty thought provoking definition. As a culture we like to pride ourselves in our own individuality. We don't like to follow any one person's way of doing anything. We are fine, all on our own. At least that is what we like to tell ourselves anyway. To actually look in the mirror might tell a different story though. We love designer brands, we will even buy things like the "Jones'" have just to fit in with the "Jones'." We are all into not looking out of place, fitting in not sticking out unless it going to make us look good. Even Taco Bell tries to express our heart felt sentiment with their, "Think outside the bun" slogan.

It's when we take our eyes off of Christ and onto the circumstances, people, and things around us that we find ourselves so prone to deindevidualization. John 8:36 tells us that:
"If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." In Christ we are made free, free from sin and free from the pressures of deindividualization. Our identity should be found in Jesus Christ, not in fitting in a crowd or keeping up with the "Jones'". Even Jesus found His identity in the Father. In John 14:11 He says, "Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake." Also, in John 15:5 He says, "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." In Philippians 4:13 we are given the promise, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." What a promise! It's in finding my identity in Christ that I can do all things, that I find my fulllest fullfillment and happiness. It's not in deindividualization.