Sanctuary: Cultivating a Quiet LifeMfano

Day #3: Who We Really Are

When I study the types of posts I see most often in my feed, several common brands stand out. Some of these online brands might be summed up as Bible Teacher Betty, Mom-Girlfriend Mandy, Homeschooler Holly, Fitness Fiona, and so many more. I’m not poking fun, either. Believe me, I’ve been there.

There is nothing inherently wrong with creating an online brand, just as there is nothing wrong with generating some income through that brand. What I am wanting us to see, though, is how the internet has become something more than a place in which to find information, share ideas, and pass the time; it’s become the place where we form our identities, and sometimes those identities become sources of income, which further cements the need to continue the online identity we have created.

In contrast, Paul’s true identity was not formed by looking inside himself or by looking to the world around him; rather, his true identity took shape as he quietly looked to God in his word. Paul met Jesus and, through the power of the Holy Spirit, became a different person (Acts 9:1-19). He exchanged his sword for a pen and became a leading voice for a groundswell of others who were also following a new way to live. They called themselves the people of the Way (Acts 9:2).

But first, Paul withdrew to the quiet of the desert, where he spent three years quietly relearning everything he thought he once knew (Galatians 1:11-24). Instead of looking to the religious structures of his day to form his identity, as he once had, Paul now looked to the Scriptures to know the one true God, and then, as a byproduct, he also came to understand himself more fully.

In Scripture, we have an invitation to step into the sanctuary of God’s presence, where we discover the truth about who we are and how we were made, and what our purpose in life really is. In God’s sanctuary, we not only find deep quiet and soul rest; we also find everything our identity-driven hearts have been longing for.

Cultivate

Consider your own online usage and ask yourself which online activities tend to give you a sense of identity. Then choose one online activity you enjoy and consider giving it up for the next week. It could be a social app, like Instagram or Voxer, or it could be an online game. It could be anything that serves as additional “noise” in your life. By giving this up, you will be creating space in your life for something quieter and more fulfilling.