Scripture
"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." (1 Peter 2:9,13-15)
Observation
With the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo in full swing, well at least so far, I’ve noticed a developing trend among notable athletes. I might just be me, but it seems they are more concerned with their own narratives rather than the nations they represent. Now, please don’t take my observation as a slight towards said athletes, but from my understanding the Olympics are about platforming the name on front of the jersey, not the name on the back. It seems there’s so much emotion and passion tied into who and what people want to be known for and how they want their story to be told.
Victor Hugo might’ve asked the question best, “Who am I?” No, the answer is not Jean Valjean or 24601. Defining who I am has so much consequence in this time, so getting it right is of utmost importance.
I am a Kanaka Maoli, a Kaholokula mai Paia. I’m proud of my Hawaiian bloodline and ancestry. I’ve studied it, lived and live it, and am committed to perpetuate it.
I’m also respectable towards my place as an American.
But, before shouting out my race or my nationality, I need to anchor on to where my true identity lies. Before standing with the Lāhui, or honoring the National Anthem, I need to hold steadfast to my place as one of His chosen, a child of God, a citizen of Heaven. For me, what all this action has stirred is a need for me to remember and hold steadfast to my identity.
Application
Yes, there’s tons of emotion, but my perspective as God’s chosen should shift away from “who lives who dies and who tells my story”, to my place in the Greatest Story Ever Told. When I surrendered and gave my life to Jesus a number of things happened:
- It’s not my will but His. I may want to sign a petition, post a black square, blast the government, march down Waikiki, and those might be find, but if it’s not completely in the will of my Heavenly Father or bring people closer to Him than like Moses, I don’t want to move another step. Not my agenda’s, but His holy anointing. Peter reminds me to 'Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors…For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. '
- He directs my steps. While my mind may wander, my heart needs to move only when He says to, not when I feel like it and definitely not when an Olympian says so.
- The most important identity claim that matters is my place in the Kingdom of heaven and as a child of God. Yes, I love my Lāhui, America too, but God’s kingdom, His holy nation reigns supreme.
Prayer
All this to say, Jesus what do you want me to do? How should I respond? What example should I be to my children? What am I really for? Thank you for reminding me to remember and regain my identity. When I do it’s pretty simple really, love. Love You, Love Your people.
Kapu Aloha instead of Kūʻe.
Kiaʻi instead of Koa.
Kuleana instead of Kūlana.
