Who are you? Have you ever asked yourself that? Have you even taken the time to discover the answer to that question?
We have all participated in a group where we’ve had to do the dreaded icebreaker exercise. I don’t know if it’s the introvert in me, but I absolutely hate icebreakers. It’s something in me that just wants to cling to being comfortable, and icebreakers bring me way out of my comfort zone. It’s always, “tell us who you are and also a fun fact about yourself.” Queue the eye rolling. For some reason I can never think of anything cool about myself in the heat of the moment, even though I know deep down inside there are a ton of things I could say….I just can’t think of them right then. When I’m being put on the spot, the only thing I can think of is, “hi my name is Lisa, and I like tea…..” Of course when it’s over, I think of all of the things that I should of said and how I’m ready to abandon ship and return to my comfort zone. It’s just like when you get into a heated argument with someone, and after the argument is over you spend the rest of the day thinking about all the verbal blows you should have unleashed. But the moment has passed, and you weren’t as prepared as you could have been.
This is the issue we deal with in our society today. We don’t have our TRUE identity. Deep down inside we THINK we know who we are… But we haven’t spent enough time discovering the truth identity that is unique to us. Instead we claim counterfeit identities with a standard set by society. We should be flawless right? Fit this mold first, and then we will be accepted? Sure, you may have done your makeup this morning and put on a snazzy outfit, but when that guy or that girl that you’ve been dating poses some deep questions and you don’t know the answers because you don’t know who you are on the inside, your going down my friend. I mean think about it….. If you don’t know who you are as an individual, what good is that going to do when it’s time to follow your dreams and make your mark in the world? Your just going to be another counterfeit.
I want to pose some questions to get your mind jogging and onto the right track. But first, I need to give you some cold, hard, facts. You are beautifully and wonderfully made. You are God’s masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10). You can do all things through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:13). You are a joint-heir with Christ (Romans 8:17). You are more than a conqueror through Him Who loves you (Romans 8:37). You are the head and not the tail; I am above only and not beneath (Deuteronomy 28:13).
You were chosen to go and produce lasting fruit (John 15:16). So impact don’t impress.
Tips on Finding Out Who You Are
Jesus asked his disciples “but who do you say I am?” I am here to tell you that the opinion of others do NOT matter. Know who you are as a person first, and it’s up to them if they accept it or not.
- Know your value and stand up for what you believe in.
- Know who God says you are. Spend time with him and see what the word says about you and personalize it.
- Spend time with yourself. Learn what your values are. Otherwise, you won’t know what you believe in and what to stand for. It’s okay not to be surrounded by people all the time. That’s good for you every once in a while.
- Get some headspace. Spend time meditating and having some quiet time before the Lord. Get out in nature. I find the easiest way for me to reset, is to get away from the busyness of life, unplug, ground myself in the moment, look up, look around, and just be. Breathe in….. and exhale. Don’t worry about trying to figure anything out. Just be in the moment.
Homework:
- What makes you unique?
- What are your pet peeves?
- What are your favorite tangible things in life?
- What are your favorite intangible things in life?
- What are 3 adjectives that describe you?
- Who does God say you are?
- What is a supporting scripture to the previous answer?
“Be the change you wish to see in the world.”