People

Who are you?

by Mark Trodd
06/25/22
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From the moment of your conception, your DNA has made you into a totally unique individuals with a lot of potential.  Whether you were born male or female, black or white, short or tall, able-bodied or disabled, freckled or hairy, there is no one else like you.   Every experience – whether you were loved or abused, protected or exploited, encouraged or ignored, nurtured or traumatised, included or excluded – influences who you are and how you see yourself.  But, how do you find the true YOU?

1.       I am who I say I am.

Some claim that we can be whoever we want to be, but is that true?  Everyone has limitations and shortcomings to go with their strengths; and everyone adapts, and make the most of their situation; but we cannot change our DNA, change our past, or change the facts.  If a 55-year-old man decided to be a 7-year-old-girl, and dressed accordingly, you would think he was delusional because the facts say otherwise. Something is not true, just because I say it is.

Yet, we can make a difference to our future by the choices we make.  We love stories about people who overcame enormous obstacles in their life; the paraplegic who became an Olympian; the abused child who found healing as an adult; the anorexic girl who became a healthy woman; the teenager who turned her birth mark into a fashion statement.  We sympathize with those who would rather live a lie than face reality – but it’s truth that sets you free.

2.       I am who others say I am.

Cooperation, and consideration of others, are essential qualities for building safe and cohesive families and societies. But every parent wants their child to grow up to be an independent and responsible adult too.  As social creatures, we need to make compromises for the sake of others – but losing ourselves in the process helps no one.  There are many forces – such as cults, political movements, and social media - that will try to tell us who we are, and use manipulation and suppression to control us, if we let them.  Giving too much weight to what others think, leads to disaster. 

A society that cannot allow people to think for themselves and hold contrary, even controversial views, will soon become toxic for free thought and innovation.  Many of our greatest achievements came from people who thought ‘outside the box’.

3.       I am who God says I am.

When individuals and societies try to make themselves the focus, someone always loses; but in God’s Kingdom, every individual has a significance and purpose that is unique and irreplaceable  You were made in God’s image, and reflect unique aspects of Him.  “For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb” (Psalm139). You also have a part in something bigger than yourself that only you can fill.

There's no one like YOU in the whole universe, and that’s no accident.

BUT there is a problem.  We have all rebelled against God, and gone our own way, so we quickly realize that we are never really in control.  Jesus is calling us back to live our lives under His authority, with the promise that “All things will work together for good for those that love God and are called according to His purpose…”  This remains true, despite the things that may have gone wrong in our past - because nothing is wasted with God.

God does not promise us our best life now – suffering and death remain for now – but He does promise His forgiveness and hope, and a taste of what is to come.  Are you ready to meet Him?

Mark Trodd
[email protected]
www.writersforjesus.com