There are times when I am awake at night and I realize the wonder that I exist. Questions rise up. Why am I here? What am I supposed to do with this precious thing called life? Who am I?
Ancestry: One way to define who we are is by those who came before us. Like many in the U.S. that would take awhile to explain. Some of my ancestors probably met the Europeans that came to the New World. Others were those Europeans. I can’t really use ancestry to define myself, figure out why I’m here or what I’m supposed to do.
School/Social Ties: Many people define who they are by where they’ve been, who they know. They may mention various post-secondary schools they’ve attended, countries they’ve visited or celebrities they know. That doesn’t work well, either. Like many I have nothing to claim in those departments. They won’t help me figure out who I am.
Accomplishments: Those who’ve participated in great things or difficult things can say with pride that they’ve done them. Those who’ve helped in disaster rescue efforts, served in the military and worked in the Peace Corp. are a few. These can provide defining moments…but I’ve never done any of them.
Sinner/Doubter: We’re getting a little closer here. I’ve heard it said that it’s “hard to praise the Lord when your thumb is caught in the linen closet.” There have been bleak times where I’ve doubted myself and to a certain extent God’s love. I still make plenty of mistakes…sins. I fit this category, but is that all I am?
Failure: I’ve been here, too. I have a tendency to start something and quit in the middle to find something more interesting to do. I’ve tried to do things and found that I’m not capable, either mentally, emotionally or physically. Still, is that all I am?
Believer: I do believe in God. I do believe I can do whatever He wants me to do. I’m a lot like the man whose son was possessed by a demon that even the disciples couldn’t cast out. “Lord, I believe, help my unbelief.” That, too, is part of who I am.
Worker: Here is where the rubber meets the road. As a sinner, I can relate to other sinners. As a doubter, I can relate to other doubters. As a believer, I can help others believe. As a worker I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Who am I? I am a sinful person saved by the grace of God. That’s all I need to remember as I go out and cheerfully do what He wants me to do. That’s who I am.