The Path to Self-Identification

Just before we look at self-construction, I would to show you a bit more about identity. This is the basic essence of your life. This is who you are without the various roles we have that sometimes tyrannically hinder us from what we really are. 

To know who you are, you will have to go beyond the meaning you derive from your name, your position or your privileges. Now, who you are is a by-product (derivative) of a much higher reality – in fact, the highest reality.

\”And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion…\”

Genesis 1:26

I would like you to take the time to read the first chapter of Genesis. You will see that every living thing was created out of something. In verse 20, God commanded the waters to bring forth various creatures that are now aquatic animals and birds that fly in the sky. 

In verse 24, the ground was instructed to bring forth creatures that are now terrestrial or land animals. Now, when it was mankind\’s turn, God spoke to Himself. Note that He did not command Himself. He simply said, \”Let us make…\” This shows that the creation of man was God\’s decision.

All water creatures and birds are derived from water. All land animals are derived from land. Mankind is derived from God. To know yourself, you must know Him. YOU ARE DERIVED FROM HIM. Now, this is not about religion, it is about LIFE.

Now, moving forward, to discover yourself, you only need to follow the example of the One you were derived from. Now, this takes us to the first chapter of Genesis.

\”In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.\”

Genesis 1:1-2

What do we learn from this? First, you a creature of design, carefully crafted to fulfil a purpose. Second, lack of direction, purpose and vision is a common problem for all mankind. Third, change begins with the supernatural intervention of God. Even now, if you will allow Him, He will also move upon the whole stretch of your life to jumpstart you in the direction of purpose.

Now, practically, the journey to self-identification begins with Light. \”And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.\” (verse 3). For the work of restoration to begin, there must be light. This light is vision, illumination, and knowledge. 

Vision will lead to separation or identification of (your life\’s) priorities. In the same way, God divided light from darkness, you will also use your vision to recover your life from darkness, hopelessness and confusion. Vision will set you on a course where you focus only on the priorities of your destiny.

After the vision, are the parallel lines of development. The waters were separated into those above the firmament and those under the firmament. Remember that it was these waters that expressed voidness, formlessness and darkness. Now, when there is vision, there is clarity. You can separate your true priorities from your distractions. 

You can know what truly matters and concentrate on it with diligence until you develop mastery of your calling and relationships. \”Where there is no vision, the people perish…\” Proverbs 29:18. Imagine what would have happened if the light was not called for! Vision will restore sanity, clarity and integrity.

These two lines of development (transformation) are basically spiritual growth and physical relevance. We saw this with Jesus: favour with God and favour with man (Luke 2:52). The force of your vision is the active transformation in your life. In verse 9, we see the waters under the sky gathered together for dry land to appear. 

This is when your life begins to produce solid products and services. Dryland\’s appearance speaks of the scope of your impact and influence. The waters gathered together into seas speak of the possibilities ahead. Seas are for transport from territory to territory. So, your land shows what you have achieved while the seas show what you are yet to achieve.

When you know who you are, you will know your priorities. Vision, priorities, spiritual growth and physical relevance, the scope of impact and influence as well as the possibilities ahead are the core features of your identity. Focus on them and you will be authentic. Your roles, positions and privileges will find meaning as you do. 

Featured Image credit: wisdomtimes