There is nothing wrong with identifying with ideas, objects, and other humans; it is actually quite natural, for humans are social creatures, and seek to belong. The problem begins when people identify with an idea to the extent that they can no longer see themselves as separate entities.
When people believe they embody the idea just by believing in it, they become convinced that they are something they aren’t; that they do not have to do anything themselves, simple faith is enough to become something great. This inflates their sense of self-importance until they no longer have a sensible view of themselves.
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you (Rom 12:3 NIV).
Ideas are supposed to change us. A simple agreement that a concept is great does not make us great, neither does admiring something beautiful make us beautiful. Being a follower does not make one a leader, nor does giving money to a cause make one rich. These are all deceptions, created by the illusion that just being part of something makes us something.
We need to do something ourselves in order to become something ourselves. It is not enough to say, “I believe in God,” to be godly; nor is it enough to say, “I was born in a great country,” to be great. If other people’s sins do not taint us, nor does other people’s excellence rub off on us just by us sitting next to them.
We all need to take responsibility for who we are, and who we will become. When we give up a false sense of importance, we no longer see our beliefs as something that must exclude others. Instead the wealth of variation of ideas and beliefs becomes an endless source of interaction and inclusion, and that makes us and the world a better place.
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