According to John Irving, “You have to know who you are before you can live.”

It is noteworthy to point out that this is the concluding half of a two-part write up on discovering or defining one’s real self. Part 1 of “Who am I?” dealt with who you are not and you may wish to read that here before this piece.

Now, who is [insert your name]?

It is said the journey of a thousand miles begins with a step. You have taken that first step by asking this question. While the answer to this question has different flavours for each individual, I believe that it is the same at its core or has the same underlying basis. So, let’s proceed.

I bet we can all agree that humans are distinguished from other known life forms out there by the inclination to go beyond simply existing and responding to our basic instincts. Man over millennia have displayed capacity for imagination, thought, innovation and creativity that has brought the us a plethora of art, development and technology enjoyed today. Another pointer that humans are meant for more than primal urge satiation is man’s subconscious yearning to perpetuate his existence. Some attempt to address this by emplacing and leaving a legacy. More on this later.

Having established that we (you and I) are more than just a link in the food chain, and most definitely transcend being random natural occurrences, let’s explore the concept of individuality. As at this writeup, there are more than 8 billion people on the earth of varying nationalities, language, dispositions and temperaments. Though there are doppelgangers and multiples (twins, triplets etc.), there are features that are completely unique to each person. For instance, no two people (not even twins) have the same finger or retinal print. Aside from the finger and retinal print, features such as vein structures /vascular patterns, ear shape (yeah, I raised my eyebrow too), tongue prints, lip prints, dental records, nose pores and DNA can be used to differentiate one individual from another.

Whether we look the same (multiples /doppelgangers) or not, we are all human. In as much as the biological markers mentioned above are unique to each one, more important is the fact that every person has them. Essentially, irrespective of our outward appearance and mannerisms, we are the same at our nucleus. Therefore, the following in my opinion form the nexus of every individual’s identity including you:

Pointers for Self-definition:

  • You matter: Each of us was created for a reason, a definite purpose. Your life matters and you deserve a place in this life. Don’t let anyone tell different. Despite your past actions/inactions, you can decide today and begin to live worthwhile.
  • You have a choice: While it’s true that we are a product of our environment and every human is a sum of his/her experiences, each of us has a choice. Freedom of choice is a key characteristic that distinguishes us from other life forms. Everyone has a say in the matter of how their lives progress (or not) and the eventual outcome.
  • You are /eventually become what you believe: To identify or re-affirm who you are, the most pertinent fact you need to come to terms with is what do you believe? This is at the heart of this topic because what you believe in drives you. It is responsible for the way you live. It is what motivates your actions/inactions. What you believe determines what you are living for? Every other department of a person’s life is an offshoot of this.
  • You are not meant to walk alone: Everything in nature points to the fact that there is a focal and a dependent relationship for optimal sustenance. The best example of this is the sun (focal) and life on earth (dependent). The sun provides light which nourishes plant life that are then consumed by animals (herbivores) which may in turn become prey to carnivores. Any plant that chooses to stay away from the sun is choosing malnourishment, degradation, and eventually death. In the same way man was meant to depend on God for our spiritual nourishment and flourishing. And in the same way the sun’s gravitational pull keeps the earth the earth in orbit, God’s love is calling and pulling man to Himself so we can bask in His glorious and nourishing light.   

Who is God? The short and simplistic answer is “God is love”.

Based on the above, I am fully aware that I matter and am fulfilling purpose. I choose freedom from sin and death by accepting salvation. Let me tell you who I am (and who you can become too):

“I am a child of the Living God. I believe and profess Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. That He (Jesus) died for my sins (in so doing paid my debt) and arose from the death after 3 days (in so doing guarantees me life after death or eternal life). I am a product of love and have both the Love and the Power of God in me.”

Last words

There’s a popular saying that “Love makes the world go round”. How much love do you exhibit in your day-to-day life? If you are not saved, it is nigh impossible since you can’t give what you don’t have. Get God (and His love) first so you can then showcase that love to others not for show or accolades but because it’s the right thing to do. The Good Book says in James 2:26 that faith without works is dead.

Do you have the courage to take the decision that can change your life for the best? You can start by asking God into your life. Click here If you would like to start this journey.

I’ll end by saying, life is beautiful and worth living. What a privilege to be alive! Let’s make the most of it!

Disclaimer: Content on this blog is for Christian inspiration and education only and reflects personal faith perspectives. It is not a substitute for medical, mental health, legal, or professional advice. Seeking qualified professional support is encouraged where needed. Use of this site is at your own discretion.[Read More]