Touching Soul and Spirit

Identity: Who Are You?

July 26, 2015

Who you are is your identity. What you do is your vocation, your calling, or your talent. But it’s not your identity.

One of the first things a detective will establish when investigating a missing person who has purportedly been found or a body that has been discovered is to ascertain a precise indentification. The “who are you?” question must be answered to bring closure to the case. The police look at identity markers like fingerprints, dental records, and DNA, which are unique in every person. These are essential in determining an accurate identification. That person’s vocation, hobbies, talents, and calling may be important in the investigation, but when the missing person or the body is identified, who that person is matters more than what that person does.

You are not what you do! It may consume most of your time. You may find great joy and value in it, but you are not what you do—you are who you are. So, who are you?

What you do is your vocation, your calling, or your talent. But it’s not your identity. #inspiration #truth #calling Click To Tweet

You were created in the image and the likeness of God. You are like God but you are not a god and never will be (even if your fans think you are). As a Christ follower, you are a son or a daughter of God. When Jesus saved you, you became a new creation. The old you was swallowed up in grace. When God looks at you now, he sees the real you, not the writer, the author, the pastor, the teacher, or the Indian chief. And, he is pleased with his handiwork and the progress that has been made.

When we live our lives based on what we do we will always be disappointed in who we are at that moment. I remember fondly the first book proposal that was accepted, the first book published, and the first award one of my books won, but none of those things determined my identity. I tried to find my identity in them but they left me empty, unfulfilled, and wanting more. What I do is enhanced by knowing and understanding who I am. It never works the other way. I am a son of the living God and that does not change. I am redeemed and secure in Jesus Christ. And best of all, I am a new creation. That is who God says I am, and that’s really all that matters.

Now it’s your turn.

  • Who are you? Think about that for a moment and try to put it in one sentence. It will be tougher than you think.
  • What makes you—you?
  • Are you at ease with who you are right now?

Discovering who you really are will only enhance what God has called you to do.

You Might Also Like

  • Sherry Carter July 26, 2015 at 10:27 pm

    When I was laid off several years ago, I lost my identity. I was so wrapped up in my work that it defined who I was. Looking back, I realize that my loss of focus was the main reason God acted. It took a while to remember that I was not “Sherry, the engineer.” I was Sherry, child of God, who happened to work as an engineer. Since then, He has called me to be many things but I always try to keep my perspective.

  • 8 Posts to Help Your Monday - Lisa's Musings November 9, 2015 at 7:13 am

    […] On remembering where our true identity lies:  You are not what you do! It may consume most of your time. You may find great joy and value in it, but you are not what you do—you are who you are. So, who are you?  When we live our lives based on what we do we will always be disappointed in who we are at that moment. Read post […]