How we answer this question, is very vital. For it it makes up a vast majority of how we function in daily life.
First, what are we NOT?
We are not our disability, if you have one.
We are not our mental illness, if you have one.
we are not our grade point average.
We are not our sexual orientations.
We are not our political party.
We are not our past failures.
We are not our success.
We are not our body image.
We are not our relationship status.
On and on we could go.
Our core identity, is founded upon being made in the image of God (Genesis 1). Now I know that some might take issue with that. But for me, it wasn’t until I discovered how much God loved me, that I ever truly knew peace. It was then that I stopped the endless hunt for something to fill me up or satisfy me. Money is a blessing, but that can never bring us lasting satisfaction.
All of us, are on a hunt to find what gives us a sense of worth and purpose. For some of us, that’s children, status, money, sex, power. The reality is though, that may satisfy us for a while, but those things will all leave us empty when they are taken from us. And they will be!
Knowing that our worth, value, purpose and self-esteem is founded upon the Lords image in us. Thus allows us to be able to not only realize our true selves, but to see ourselves in healthy and balanced way. It also allows us to endure the hardest of circumstances, knowing that God is in control and our truest satisfaction and joy.
And until we come to that understanding, we will be, as saint Augustine says: Restless until it (our hearts) rests in you.
brandonleeryan 