Being A Man Of Conviction: Who Am I? What Do I Stand For?

Who am I? What do I stand for? Today it seems like people have been brainwashed by consumerism. People don't necessarily have faiths they defend or causes they believe in anymore, they more so have favorite sports teams, favorite movies, and favorite foods. Young people are obsessed with rappers, pop stars, video games, fancy new products, smart phones, tablets, and funny Youtube videos. But what about things that really matter? We have communities around us that are struggling. We have a crisis of depression and suicide in young people. We have a crippling national debt. We have corruption growing in business, culture, academia, and government.

When will we decide that it's time to take a stand? Today, right now is our chance. Now is the time for good men to stand But how do we go about it?

Assuming I'm looking to start to take a stand on issues, how do I develop my beliefs? How do I learn, grow, and progress toward goals and causes? I had to ask myself those questions after years of confusion, addiction, and hedonism in my life.

Just over three years ago a savior changed my world forever. Soon I discovered with my new eyes, that I could change the world. I discovered that I could step up and make a difference. My pessimism slowly faded away. But I was left with a conundrum: What should I stand for? What do I believe? And what are the practical action steps to become who I ought to be? And once I recognize who I am, how do I take action?

I'd like to walk you briefly through how I discovered who I am and what I stand for. I hope these practical actions and areas of inquiry will help you to break free from the matrix of materialism and selfishness, so you can start to make a difference in the world. Be the change you wish to see in the world, pull your eyes off the television box and the consumerism attitude of "what next to titillate my senses" and instead wake up to the spiritual battle raging all around you. You can change things, you can make a difference. Stop believing the cynics, and believe in the power of truth in the world.

1. Family Heritage - After being freed from slavery to sin by the risen and glorified Lord Jesus Christ I realized that I'm part of a family. I had lost touch with my parents, with my sister, with my grandparents, aunts, and uncles and so on. Part of becoming a man of honor meant connecting with my family. I asked my Grandpa about our heritage. I listened to stories of his time in the Korean War. I learned my family on my mom's side is Polish. I began to study the history of Poland, from the Protestant wars to the battle of Warsaw during World War II. I began to take pride in my Polish and Germany heritage. My heritage slowly and effectively became a part of my own personal identity. And I draw strength from that heritage.

2. Country - I'm a citizen of the United States of America. In the past I used to mock and criticize the United States. Mainly I did that because all my hip college buddies routinely did the same. But I began to realize that the United States was my home. I began to realize that the United States is really an incredible nation, made up of many different peoples from all over the world who believe in personal freedom, religious liberty, free markets, due process, and limited government. I began to learn more about the USA. I watched the John Adams miniseries (very historically accurate). I watched presentations by Dinesh D'Souza on America. I read several books like Team of Rivals by Doris Goodwin and 1776 by David McCullough. I learned about the founding fathers. I studied the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. I began to realize how amazing the history of the USA is.

My identity began to grow. I started to take a certain pride in being a citizen of the United States, a Christian nation. I made American values like liberty, justice, personal responsibility, and free speech part of my own identity.

3. State - I was born and raised in Central Wisconsin. This part of the state is beautiful. It's also very cold. The area is made up of mainly Polish, German, and Asian immigrants. I grew up being out in the woods almost everyday. I grew up 3-wheeling, fishing, hiking, and snowmobiling. I began to integrate my local heritage into my identity. I'm a Packer fan and a Badger fan. I'm a strong north-woodsmen who can endure harsh winters. I'm part of a state with a rich political and social history.