Who Am I?Sample

Identity: What is it?

George was a high-ranking police officer who understood the weight of authority. He commanded respect with ease, much like the centurion who said, "I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes." (Matt 8:5-13)

Employees snapped to attention at the sight of him and worked with a sense of urgency, anticipating his next command. If George called on the phone, they’d stand up straight and salute as they answered his call. Such was the extent of his authority around the office.

But as retirement approached, an inexplicable sorrow gripped George's heart. His retirement party was a grand affair, with colleagues praising his diligence and years of dedicated service. Yet, nothing could lift his spirits. A sense of great loss gnawed at him.

When he returned home that night and took off his uniform, it felt as though he was shedding his entire identity. His family was both surprised and concerned by the silence that had settled over him. They no longer heard him shout orders at them or discipline them. The only trace of his former identity was the monthly pension deposited into his account.

Life felt empty, and George spent the remainder of his retirement questioning, “Who am I?”

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Our answer to the question “Who am I?” becomes our identity. It is an expression of our self-esteem and reflects how we see ourselves.

True identity is stable, steady and unchanging, like a house built on a rock. However, like George, if we anchor it to our profession, financial status, appearance or intelligence, we build our identity on dangerous ground. When life quakes, this fragile identity collapses, leaving a gaping hole that echoes the question: Who are you now?

Challenge question:

If you could not mention your name or profession, how would you answer the question, “Who are you?”