we are so caught up in Christianity that we forget to be the Christian

I know so many people who are truly talented and have used it to share their faith. It is a wonder God has placed so much in their hands. I praise the Lord for it! Every time someone uses their exceptional gifts for Christ, it's a win for the Kingdom. What is really troublesome though, is when we focus so much on the work, that we neglect ourselves as the vessel. We tend to lose ourselves. It's normal for many. We are Christ-like in our work by sacrifing, serving, expanding our knwoledge and furthering our skills. 

"I lose myself in my work" is an idiom that according to Webster's dictionary means, "to give all one's attention or thought to something." We get so distracted in the work of our hands that we forget that the person those hands are connected to should be Christ-like at the same time. 

It is good to ask ourselves a series of questions, lest we fall victim to our adversary (1 Peter 5:8): 

1. What is my character? 

2. Who am I for others? What do I say, how do I react, and what do I think? 

3. How am I expressing myself? 

Are we being loving in the things we say and do? (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). Am I full of pride? (Proverbs 16:5). Am I speaking life or am I speaking death over myself and others? (Proverbs 18:21). Would I say this if God were in the room (because He is)? Would I do this if God were in the room (because He is)? The most famous question of all: What would Jesus do? 

These questions can often reach uncomfortable depths. And that is ok. God is a God of the depths. Sometimes, we're provoked to serious conversations with ourselves. When these kind of topics come about, involve the Holy Spirit. This is one of His many specialties! He is an excellent listener. He helps us discern. He is our comforter and our friend. He is our guide. 

Sometimes, the only person stopping us from getting better and growing, is ourselves. But how great is it that God is a God of renewal and transformation! He restores us when we're broken. He is our refuge and protection when we're in danger. Through the process He is our identity. He is our confidence. He is our joy. He is our peace.