Do You Know Who You Are?

In his book How to Find Yourself, Brian Rosner writes, “A 2019 interview focusing on the acclaimed British actress Emma Thompson’s 60th birthday was titled ‘Emma Thompson Gets a Shock at 60.’” The article’s author stated,

“If anyone did not expect to have a midlife crisis, it was Emma Thompson. Being quite sure about things has been a central organizing principle of her life. It has informed most every character she has played … All her life, she knew who she was. Now the roles she has embraced—mother, wife, performer—have her asking, ‘Am I any of those things? And if I’m not, who am I?’”

Game of Thrones actress Sophie Turner, despite having a stellar career and a celebrity husband, also struggles with identity. At the age of 23 she confessed, “I don’t actually know who I am.”

And then there’s the fictional character played by the actor Matt Damon in the Bourne movie series. Jason Bourne is a riddle to himself, saying, “I know the best place to look for a gun is the cab of the gray truck outside, and at this altitude, I can run flat out for half a mile before my hands start shaking. How can I know that and not know who I am?”

Knowing who you are is not just an issue for actors and actresses. It is fundamental to us all. Today our culture abounds with confusion over identity issues. Why? Because when we lose touch with our creator, we lose touch with our identity. You see, our souls were carefully crafted by God and specifically designed for Him to inhabit. And when He doesn’t, our soul attempts to fill the void with other things, ideas, and identities. On the other hand, when God does fill our soul, who we are becomes clear. But not only does our identity become clear, so does our reason for existence. Like God said to Jeremiah, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” (Jeremiah 1:5), Like Jeremiah, He also created you and consecrated you with purpose and meaning before you ever came into this world. And that is a game changer for life!

Scottie Scheffler gets it… In February of 2022, Scheffler at 25 years old began his third full season on the PGA Tour, ranked 15th in the world. He was still seeking his first major victory on the tour. And on Sunday April 10, he achieved it by becoming a Masters champion. In a press conference after his victory, wearing his new green jacket, Scheffler was asked how he balances his desire to compete…without letting it define who he is as a person. Scheffler then opened up about his faith-- “The reason why I play golf is I’m trying to glorify God and all that He’s done in my life. So, for me, my identity isn’t a golf score. Like my wife, Meredith, told me this morning, ‘If you win this golf tournament today, if you lose this golf tournament by 10 shots, if you never win another golf tournament again, I’m still going to love you, you’re still going to be the same person. Jesus loves you and nothing changes.’ All I’m trying to do is glorify God and that’s why I’m here and that’s why I’m in [this] position.” He gets it!

How about you? Do you get it? Only Jesus satisfies the hole in the soul. Has He filled yours? Nothing else will, and you’ll never truly know who you are until you know who He is. Today can be that life defining moment for you. The Bible says, “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13) And “if anyone is in Christ, they are a new person, the old has passed away and all things have become new!” (2 Cor. 5:17) New, as in identity!

And remember, God is always trying to take you someplace new. I love being your Pastor.

For God’s Glory Alone,
Ray Jones