Who Am I?

It's an age old question and trend. "Who am I"? Individuals travel the globe to 'find themselves'. People change religions, change careers, and even change spouses to discover or re-discover themselves. There are quizzes one can take, quotes to inspire you, millions of books and self-help seminars on the matter, songs and more songs, there are even coaches you can hire to help you answer the question: "who am I?".

In 2013, the Huffington Post published an article, Finding "Yourself". I thought it curious that the word, 'yourself' was in quotations and it made me wonder... Those who are seeking themselves are doing so from the perspective that they must create themselves. But scripture tells us that not only were we created by God, for God (Romans 11:36), we were also already created with a specific assignment and destiny to fulfill within our lives (Joshua 29:11). No re-inventions necessary!

As I began to read the article, a young woman explains that, in order to find one's self, one must not allow anyone else to interfere in your self-seeking process. Instead, you must consider your wants, create dreams that will satisfy you, and avoid those who will not support your decisions. Of course, the article wasn't written so candidly. Actually, it was an amazing article! It was well written and well thought of. The author gave some amusing examples and some very positive suggestions. But the truth and issue of the matter is that, much like the books, the songs and the quotes on the subject of Self-Discovery, it's all about you.

The problem with this take on life is that it opposes the Word of God. Our God celebrates community. He is a relational God who has commanded His church to stay connected with each other (Romans 12:4-5), to inquire for wisdom and godly council/advice from others (Proverbs1:5) and to seek direction that is pleasing to The Lord (Psalms 32:8-9).
Our culture tells us that we should be independent, considering our needs first, deciding what is best for us and pursuing what we want, without regard to others. It is a social norm, expectancy and a generally accepted belief that you will be a happier person if you do things your way, for your pleasure and for your own fame. But, if that is truly the case, then why are there so many of us who are unhappy and without true identity, constantly searching for ourselves and for our purpose in this life?

In the scriptures, Proverbs gives us the solution to the problem of Self-Discovery:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

-Proverbs 3:5-6 

You see, our lives are too grand and to delicate to be trusted within our own care. When we give our lives to God and put our trust in Him, the way in which we should go and the person that we were created to be becomes so clear. Our existance isn't accidental, and our lives are not made without order. Scripture says that God is the Alpha  and the Omega- the beginning and the end of all things and He has already created those plans for you! Many of us miss it because we're asking the wrong questions and walking shambled paths that we have tried to create and layout for ourselves. I wonder, if instead of asking, " Who am I?", what if we began to ask, "Who are you, Lord?", because the answer of our
identity lies in the knowing of our God! In Him
lies all the answers and all of the wisdom and all of the plans for our lives. When we look into ourselves, we have uncertainties, but when we look to Heaven, and seek the word of God, we find truth that is applicable to all of our questions. We are limited. He is limitless. We are inconsistent. He never changes. We make mistakes. He never fails. We ask the questions. God has the answers.

Let me end by challenging you all to stop looking inward, and start looking upward. The Lord has great promise for you, but you have to trust Him in who He is, what He says and where He leads. I promise you, if you follow Him, you will never get lost! He knows the way, because He made the path! As you grow closer to His heart, you will begin to discover yours in the process!

Your true identity is in Jesus! Follow Him!

~Pearls