Purpose Begins with Identity

“I will be a father to you,

and you shall be sons and daughters to me,

says the Lord Almighty.”

2 Corinthians 6:18

One of the most difficult topics in our society today is identity. Who are we, really? What defines us? It shouldn’t be a complicated question, but it has become such a crisis in our humanity. Knowing our true identity is essential to understanding our purpose and reason for our existence. When we are not rooted and centered in our identity in God, then we will experience division within ourselves.

The etymology of the word "identity" traces back to the meaning of sameness and oneness. It speaks to the idea of being unified and undivided – of being one with ourselves and being one with God. But in a society where external influences often dictate our sense of self, how do we reclaim our true identity?

In Fr. Mike Schmitz's video, "What Defines You?", he reminds us that anything less than Jesus will ultimately fade away. He challenges us to examine whether we've been defining ourselves by temporary, worldly standards, or if we've anchored our identity in something eternal and unchanging.

Similarly, Bishop Barron's Lenten homily on fasting calls us to strip away the excess until we're left with the bare essentials. This metaphorical shedding of layers makes us think: if everything were stripped away – possessions, relationships, achievements – what would remain? At the core, it's who we are and the presence of the Holy Spirit within us.

The Book of Genesis also reminds us that our true identity is given to us by our Creator. Just as God named Adam and filled him with breath and purpose, our identity comes from a higher place. This recognition shifts our focus from worldly labels to a deeper understanding of our inherent worth. We were created for greater. Our very being reveals the greatness of God.

For me, identifying with who I belong to goes beyond preference; it's about acknowledging who created me and adopted me as His child. The God who makes all things new, brings possibility from the impossible, and gives life and abundance has chosen us. By our baptism, we have been called children of God, daughters and sons of the King, and heirs of His Kingdom.

Children of God through Adoption.

For those who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received a spirit of adoption, through which we cry, “Abba, Father!” The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if only we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.

Romans 8:16-17

As I reflect on my journey, I'm reminded of the importance of contemplation, self-discovery, and declaration of who I am in God. Knowing our identity as a child of God transcends our human understanding to God’s understanding. When we are secure in our relationship with God, we will be firm in our identity. When we live from our truest being, we will live in abundance in God, and it will renew everything we see and do. We will live differently.

How do we establish our true identity? It requires self-reflection and interior work. It requires us to go within ourselves with God to break through what has blocked our truest self. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to doing this work but rather a journey of trust, surrender, and discovery with God.

What has helped me most in connecting with God in my innermost being is silence and contemplative prayer, daily receiving of the sacraments, retreats, self-reflection, and especially declaring God’s truth about how He sees me. Additionally, seeking counsel, spiritual direction, and engaging in meaningful conversations with others have helped broaden my perspective and deepen my understanding of myself so I can know God better.

Embracing patience and persistence, I continue to refine my path and stay true to who I am at my core – a child of God, defined not by the world but by His unchanging love and purpose for my life. May this coming Lenten season be a time of deepening our roots in our identity and relationship with God.