Ralph Waldo Emerson, an American essayist once remarked: “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” Exodus 3:14-15 confirms: “God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I am has sent me to you. God also said to Moses, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.’ This is my name forever, and thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations.”
Self-identity is defined as the perception or recognition of one's characteristics as a particular individual, especially in relation to social context. It can predominantly reveal the answer to the searching question: “Who am I?” This may include the name given at birth or assumed in later life for any given reason. It promotes confidence and faith in one’s ability and a reassurance in their existence. Notable fame usually permeates from those who succeed, not from foundering. It may disseminate the considered difference between being a “Nobody” or actually being a “Somebody.” It can reinforce a position of self-worth or create a sense of belonging and purpose in life.
Gold, is a chemical element that forms an exquisite yellow solid metal. It is considered an item of precious worth that represents quality, value and substance. Just as a human being is. It often originates in nugget or granular form from rocks, veins and alluvial deposits. It is sometimes regarded as the “money of kings.” 1 Kings 10:10 confirms: “Then she gave the king 120 talents of gold, and a very great quantity of spices and precious stones. Never again came such an abundance of spices as these that the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon.”
Life should always permit people to discover who they really are. Self-discovery encourages the growth of dignity and confidence and allows one to seek acceptance by others, as their true self. If we choose to seek a relationship with God, perhaps the most significant and beneficial part of the union is the realization that God loves everyone, despite what they independently feel about themselves. God makes no distinctions or requirements about love. He loves everyone irrespective of any imperfections they may have. In His eyes, everybody is worth substantially more than the true value of Gold. Zechariah 13:9 reveals: “And I will put this third into the fire, and refine them as one refines silver, and test them as gold is tested. They will call upon my name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are my people’; and they will say, ‘The Lord is my God.’”
Everyone in life should be allowed to live the life they want, irrespective of what another may want or think is best for them. Some make distinctions or form biased opinions on relationships between people. However, freedom of choice in life should always be allowed to prevail. If a couple fall in love and wish to spend their lives together, that is their prerogative, not one for another to decide or dictate. That inhibits the freedom of choice. It impedes a true and loving private relationship between two people from continuing as it should. It signifies an unwarranted intervention or ownership of one person over another. It can remove the personal identity of an individual which may incur or result in devastating consequences. The phrase “Live and let live” needs to be, not only allowed, but addressed as a matter of course.
If we possess doubts about ourselves, whether that be related to personal ability, attractiveness or a considered personal lack of accomplishment, then the barriers of life are automatically erected which may significantly impede beneficial progress. We need to appreciate that anyone, with the right help or guidance, can achieve most of their heart’s desires. However, this needs to be by personal choice, not dictatorship.
Although some would disagree, it has been inferred that love can play an important role in achievement and self-identity. It could be considered self-explanatory that a feeling of being loved can promote confidence and self-worth within. It can reduce uncertainty or loneliness. God’s love, the greatest of them all, is boundless and is not dependent upon achievement. Apart from initial acceptance, there are no stipulations that have to be fulfilled before His love is bestowed. God tells us in 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.”
In God’s eyes, everyone is individualistic. They are unique and amazing. Each has their own separate worth or independent value for Him. Identity of ourselves is of paramount importance, as we journey through life. Unless we possess self-identity, God can’t make full use of our attributes. We could miss out on our true worth or importance in life.
Some people seek a form of self-identity from an external source, rather than from within. If we are consistently dependent on another to maintain some form of self-identity, then we are effectively no more than a mere vegetable. We need to think for ourselves, make our own decisions and follow our chosen path in life. Malebo Sephodi, a female South African development worker and social commentator on development, identity and gender issues once remarked: “I want to be in spaces where I can just be: be myself, be all I am, be all I can be, be in my fullness and be in all my strengths, my weaknesses and my being.”
Those who lack self-identity may become introverted or reserved in nature. A feeling of inferiority may prevail. They may lack the confidence to convey their own interpretation or suggestions on specific situations or questions with any authority during discussions with others. They may even suffer from a complete lack of self-expression. In cases like this, they are often dependent on the words of another to voice any opinion. Words from others may sadly become the only available source of articulation. Many external factors of life may affect the true identity of a person. Wealth, a position in life and relationships can all influence the outcome. People, of whom we become dependent, can change persona on the turn of a coin, depending on their own circumstances in life. They may initially promise the world, but fail to provide at a crucial time.
People need a dependable quality of life to succeed. They need the affirmed reliability and an assurance that what has been promised, will be provided. Perhaps one of the most significant, is the faith and trust we place in God. He will never fail us in our endeavors or needs to succeed. His reliability is proven. His promises are sustainable. Galatians 2:20 confirms: “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Amen.
