[Be a Gentleman] IdentitySample

Understand Who You Are

Oscar Wilde, the Irish poet and playwright, once said “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” Identity is the cornerstone of every person’s life.

The deepest urge in every human heart is to be significant, to count, to make a difference, and to be important. This desire comes from having been created by God. He grants each one of us unique gifts and talents meant for the good of Humanity. Your identity is a Divine Imprint, a reflection of creativity and Purpose. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Your gifts and talents are not random; they are intentionally given to you to fulfill a Purpose larger than yourself. Your gifts are meant to serve others, to bring light and goodness into the world.

So, how do you find your purpose in life? What can you do to work toward significance and making a difference in this world? It all begins with acknowledging God’s intent and who He made you to be. To understand who you are at your core, determine what your values, beliefs, strengths, and weaknesses are. It is not just about self-perception. With an honest assessment of who you are, right now, you can more clearly determine who you can become.

James Clear, author of the book Atomic Habits, said, “Your current behaviors are simply a reflection of your current identity. What you do now is a mirror image of the type of person you believe that you are (either consciously or subconsciously). To change your behavior for good, you need to start believing new things about yourself. So, if you change your identity (the type of person that you believe that you are), then it’s easier to change your actions.”

The first thing we should start believing about ourselves is that our true identity is founded in our surrender to Christ, in allowing Him to live through us rather than us striving on our own. When we place Him at the center of our story, it means that we view our lives as a narrative primarily shaped by Jesus’ Teachings and Sacrifice, with our own experiences and actions taking secondary importance. We ultimately find meaning and purpose through our relationship with Him. Essentially, our life story becomes a reflection of His Love and Grace, rather than solely being focused on our own achievements or struggles.

What are some of your core values? What unique gifts and talents do you possess? How can these be used for the good of others? Reflect on your life. The four days of this devotional do not have to be completed within 24-hour increments. Answering these questions requires focused attention. Give yourself the time and Grace necessary to do them justice.

God, open my eyes to see who You made me to be and how I might best fulfill Your Purpose for me.