Who are you...?

Who are you (Grace & Grounds is all about purpose, identity and restoration thereof. It is about personal growth and spiritual growth on that journey.) The movies provide some good examples of identity, e.g. Gladiator and Hercules. In both the main character is actually in prison which reflects a reality that many face who do not yet know who they are or who are not walking in their identity. It also reminds me that sometimes our real and pure identity only comes out under pressure, like a diamond being formed under intense heat and pressure. Kung Fu Panda is another example of a movie where there are many moments that speak about identity. The Bible is also full of examples about identity, e.g. Moses. In Exodus 3:11 Moses asks, "who am I...?" to which God responds; "I AM WHO I AM". We are made in His image so our identity, our "I AM" is very important. Other examples include David, Samson, Saul who becomes Paul and the disciples who were fishermen, but who were actually "fishers of men" (Matt. 4:19). Even Jesus, when baptised, has an identity that is clearly confirmed (Matt. 3:17). And then in Matt. 16:13-20 (Mark 8:27-30; Luke 9: 18-20) Jesus again speaks about identity with the well known words: "But who do you say that I am?" (verse 15). Identity is not about what you say. It is about who you are and about your actions. "Actions speak louder than words" That being said, your words have power: "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit." (Proverbs 18:21) When you speak things about you that are not true, you destroy and detract from your true identity. The fake identity you pursue for whatever reason can never compare to the real YOU. The problem most of us face is that our real identity is under attack from when we are born. The result is that many only live part of their identity, or not at all. The consequence of this is destruction, harm, substance abuse, depression, stress, pursuit of superficial interests and many other things. Lack of identity is not the only reason for these behaviours though. 1. How do we get to our identity? 2. How do we live our identity to its fullest? 3. How do we help others to discover and live their identity? (Refer to my conversations on titled "The things that matter" and "The things that matter more".) Identity flows from design. One example of this is again from Kung Fu Panda 1: A peach cannot grow up to be an apple tree or to even bear apples. No matter what you do, it will always be a peach and become a peach tree, bearing only peaches. The same applies to us. We are all designed specifically and uniquely. And no matter what your ideology, politics or words you speak, our design is our design. The first step then is to understand and recognise or realise that you have a specific design unique to you and your identity flows from that. The second step then is to change what you speak and think, much like Romans 12:1-2 speaks about renewing your mind daily. Some practical things to do: Examine what you think and say Write it down or record it to have snapshot of who you are now (Listen to my other conversations to help trigger your perspective) Start replacing negative with positive in your thinking and speaking Regularly spend time to figure out and learn more about your design and identity Make the necessary changes in your thinking, speaking and behaviour to become more congruent and aligned with who you are. Design and identity is the root of everything in your life. Who are you? Who do you say you are? Who does God say you are?