Who Are You Really?

What defines a person? It’s the question burning our current culture in an almost toxic way. We can’t even agree on when personhood begins. (By the way, it starts at conception, hence the word… conception.) People have been defined by status, race, color, creed, profession.

Think of that. When someone asks who you are, aside from your name, what do you say? Many of us say what we do, or we’re asked what we do. People are asking about our paying jobs but does that define us? These days people are also being defined by attraction and desire. Does that really define who we are?

For people working in a career they hope to grow, a job might define them to a point. For those who have worked for the place they’re in currently, status might define them to a point. Truly, though, what really defines a person?

There’s a quote credited to a few sources but its meaning is the same. “Character is who you are when no one is watching.” That has been credited to multiple people. Also, “Character is what you are in the dark,” was spoken by John McCain when he quoted 19th century evangelist Dwight Moody, which might be the oldest source. So what does this mean?

It means we are not defined by our actions in front of people or the way we present ourselves, though we will be judged by those things. It means the core of who we are goes deeper, it stems from our true selves, our hearts. Who are you under all those layers? Are you keeping up with the Jones or are you genuine in your pursuit of whatever it is you’re doing? Who are you really?

You are a son or daughter of the Creator Father: “For we are his handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for the good works that God has prepared in advance, that we should live in them.” Ephesians 2:10

You are a temple of the Holy Spirit: “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been purchased at a price. Therefore, glorify God in your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

You are the image of God: “God created mankind in His image; in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them.” Genesis 1:27

We are not defined by our temptations or attractions to sin. We are not defined by our tendencies or preferences. We need not say, “I am gay,” or, “I am straight,” or, “I am transgendered.” Who you are, who you truly are is defined by your core. Will you allow yourself to be a child of God or will you allow yourself to keep choosing selfishly and reject your very being and purpose? Will you do what is right, not because it feels right or you’re pressured into it, but because it is right? Will you allow a Higher Authority to guide you to what is right and not follow fools or rely on your own interpretation (Proverbs 3:5). We are biased and foolish creatures. If this were not so, we wouldn’t be a hurting world.

Regardless of who you say you are, there is One who knows you better than you know yourself. “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,” (Jeremiah 1:5). Like a child trying to play a game or decide what sport suits him best, the parent knows him better. He may try something that won’t suit him and fail or struggle, but the parent waits patiently for him to find the right path.

God is waiting patiently for us to find the right path, but the closer we get to self-sabotage or complete culture destruction, the sooner He will intervene. Will we go kicking and screaming or will we listen? It all depends on who we are, really.