Who Am I?

Introduction: 

Welcome Buddy!

It's good to be back here on another Friday to honour our commitment in the form of this weekly newsletter, albeit this time with questions that need answers. 

Of course, it's not an interrogation but a conversation between pals that share similar interests and values looking to understand themselves for who they truly are.

If I asked you what you thought of me as a person, you'd most likely try to describe me in light of the words we've shared and that's because there's no physical meeting between us yet, which would have allowed you to know me more than that. 

On the other hand, to describe yourself, you'd readily pull out adjectives that fit what you've seen from your reflection, images and remarks from other people. 

Tall, short, fair, dark, kind, smart; whatever it is we think of ourselves forms our self image which is a determinant factor in our level of self love, self respect and self confidence.

What this means is that how we see ourselves will always play a key role in how we treat ourselves and what we allow from others as we feel is deserving or not. 

Which brings us to the question “How do you see yourself?” 

Discussion: 

Most of us attach our self worth to a whole lot of different things and for such reasons subconsciously make the mistake of underestimating ourselves and what we can achieve or amplifying our relevance such that we feel too proud. 

Either way, this inaccurate perception of ourselves, hinders or totally robs us of many things we can go on to become or accomplish. 

Therefore, before looking to understand who we truly are, let's quickly talk through who we're not. 

▪︎ We're Not Our Physique 

Many of us live with low self esteem because we feel we don't measure up to the standards of the fittest or prettiest folks out there as we've created in our heads. 

We see ourselves as living with some sort of limitations because we feel we're not big or small enough even when each physical attribute has it's own strength and weaknesses. 

For instance, the same shorter person that may struggle in a game of basketball can excel as a dribbler in football where a lower force of gravity ensures a better balance when travelling with ball at our feet. 

This simply shows that it's always about focusing on our strengths. 

In the same vein, many people who feel physically attractive and desirable can be lost in the lie that it can compensate for bad manners, unruly behaviour and arrogance. 

▪︎ We're Not Our Disabilities 

Steve Harvey who's become a top comedian, entertainer and TV host had a very terrible stuttering problem as a kid which impaired his speech. 

The same for the biblical Moses who God had to give a spokesperson in Aaron his brother when he was sent to rescue his people from the hands of Pharaoh. 

When we look at ourselves from the lens of our shortcomings we adapt a limiting mindset of self pity which holds us back. 

Many times what we lack in one aspect of life is amplified in another one; as we can see with people who's loss of sight usually comes with an impeccable sense of hearing and smell. 

Also, the story of Goliath is a typical example of what can happen when we put all our faith in our own extraordinary strength and abilities or try to bully or shame those around us with them.

▪︎ We're Not Our Circumstances 

Our place of birth, current situation, pain, suffering, hunger or lack shouldn't define us. 

Deep within, we have what it takes to rise above our predicaments simply by trusting God, which doesn't just require us to believe, but to obey him by doing his will, as he leads us out of darkness into his marvelous light.

Through this time we're encouraged to stay patient without looking to force things or trying to lean on our own limited wisdom. 

▪︎ We're Not Our Accomplishments 

Our level of education, career or social class is not who we are.

When we spend all our lives striving for top jobs and positions such that we neglect our family and friends, what happens when we retire or when we attain the most significant positions only to see that those we truly care about aren't there to celebrate with us? 

▪︎ We're Not Our Resources 

When we find self worth in money we'll do everything it takes to get it even at the cost of our soul and peace of mind. 

Here, we feel worthless without material things so anytime we're broke or facing financial difficulties, we go about acting without self respect and dignity just to sit at the table of those we feel have, even when these people don't rate us. 

It's also for this reason that many try to buy love with money and gifts, because they lack the understanding that genuine love isn't on sale, and can't be bought. 

▪︎ We're Not Our Past 

When we hold on to an opinion or habit that we've outgrown because we don't want detractors to call us hypocrites, we become slaves of our past. 

With healing and wisdom comes flexibility because we're able to change our stance on any given situation when confronted with better information.

Here, we're also reminded that if God forgives us of our sins, then we shouldn't let others condemn us for them, or worse still do so ourselves. 

■ Understanding Who We Are 

To understand who we are, is to see ourselves from the same lens as God.

We're his masterpieces created by him for good works. 

This mindset keeps us confident in difficult situations and grounded when we're flying high, receiving all the praise and recognition. 

Through each day, he continues to refine us, bringing us closer to him and making us useful tools in his hands. 

When we define ourselves outside of his masterplan, we're consumed by the lies of unbelief because we feel worthless and undeserving or caught in the net of pride, feeling too good and invisible. 

Summary: 

Many times when people say “do you know who I am?” they don't even know this themselves. 

We're nothing but dust, made worthy by the breath of life that we enjoy, of which can be taken away from us at any instant. 

When death comes calling, our money, knowledge, power and influence won't save us, which is why we should remain humble at all times. 

Master Apprentice. 

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