Who Am I? A Redeemed View of Identity

The question of “Who am I?” is a universal contemplation that individuals encounter at various stages of life. The response to this question is inherently subjective and can vary significantly based on cultural context and personal belief systems. Fundamentally, the resolution of this question is central to the formation of our identity. This identity is shaped by the social circles we engage with (group ideals), our individual distinctiveness, our ideological perspectives, and our sense of self-continuity. Instances of identity crises emerge when our personal ideologies clash with other sources of identity, such as communal ideals. For example, if our personal ideology asserts that we are all giraffes, while our peers profess that we are all elephants, a conflict arises and we may grapple with delineating our true essence. The question of whether the prevailing majority is correct in asserting that we are all elephants, or if our personal conviction that we are giraffes holds true, is a scenario that unfolds more frequently than commonly acknowledged.

Who does the world say that I am?        

The prevailing cultural narrative espouses the belief that individuals have the liberty to shape their own identities. This concept takes root early in life, with parents inadvertently reinforcing it. Phrases such as “Be who you want to be!”, “Follow your heart!”, “You do you!”, or “Do whatever you feel is right!” exemplify this ethos. While well-intentioned, these expressions can yield adverse consequences. By propagating such notions, we confer sole authority over personal identity to the individual. This perpetuates the subjective nature of the contemporary identity crisis. When faced with conflicting perceptions—such as my belief that I am a giraffe versus the consensus that I am an elephant—a quandary ensues. An objective authority is required to definitively adjudicate our identities, and we have not been forsaken in this regard.

Who does God say that I am?    

The Bible, and more significantly, God, has provided the answer to the age-old question, “Who am I?” From the very beginning, in the book of Genesis, God reveals that we are creatures made in His image (Gen. 1:26-27). The Psalmist further elucidates that God thought of us, saw us, created us, and numbered our days (Psalm 139:13-16). If we accept this as truth, then only God has the authority to define our identity. This is good news because now we can allow God to define who we are, rather than attempting to subjectively and fluidly answer the question on our own or letting others define us. Unfortunately, sin entered the world in Genesis three, corrupting the image of God within us. Paul provides a more detailed explanation of our situation.

A redeemed identity.    

In Ephesians chapter two, the apostle Paul delineates the state of humanity as being spiritually dead in their transgressions and sins, rendering them incapable of seeking restoration from God autonomously (Eph. 2:1-2). Those outside of Christ are depicted as the walking dead, perpetually in defiance of their Creator. Bryan Chapell elucidates, “The practice of those who were dead in their transgressions and sins was to live following the ways of the world and the leading of Satan, who continues to exert his spiritual influence over those who are disobedient. They live a life of spiritual death.” This represents the condition of individuals outside of Christ, their identity fashioned by the world and influenced by Satan. They were a people subject to divine wrath, yielding to the inclinations of their depraved hearts and thoughts (Eph. 2:3). Nevertheless, Paul proceeds beyond the portrayal of spiritual death and rebellion, proceeding to explicate the believers’ existence in Christ.

 In Ephesians chapter two, the apostle Paul expounds on the transformative nature of our existence in Christ. He underscores our state of being alive in Christ, emphasizing that our salvation is a result of grace rather than works. Paul further elucidates that we have been raised up with Christ and seated with him in the heavenly realms. Concluding the passage, Paul asserts that we are divine handiwork, purposed for virtuous deeds in the name of Christ. This profound metamorphosis is attributed to God’s abundant mercy and profound love for humanity (Eph. 2:4). Formerly spiritually lifeless and living in defiance, we now experience life in Christ. Our newfound identity as being alive in Christ, raised with Christ, and seated with Christ liberates us from the dominion of Satan (Col. 1:13) while disassociating us from the confines of this world (Phil. 3:20; Col. 3:1-3).

In conclusion, it is imperative to underscore that our identity is not hinged upon external perceptions, nor is it constrained by our historical narratives. Our sense of self is not contingent on self-perception, cultural influences, or the ideological constructs of society. As Christians, our identity is fundamentally redefined by the redemptive grace manifested through the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. This profound truth serves as a wellspring of rejuvenation and alleviates the burdens we carry. May this be a blessing for you today.