Who are you?

Who are you? At your core, who are you? Surrender the job title, relationship status, the diplomas, and accomplishments. Don’t focus on your fears or insecurities, your ambitions, or aspirations. When you strip everything away, who are you?

If you’re not sure how to answer, you are not alone.

This question often comes up when I’m in a client meeting, talking with a peer, or chatting at the grocery store (only half kidding). I love seeing people’s reactions and hearing their responses to my inquiry, but the sad truth is whether I am speaking with a Christian or non-Christian, their answers are often identical. Between the ummms and the eeerrrs (to be fair, it’s not something we are asked a lot), I hear a lot of I’ve spent most of my life struggling with ______; I don’t really know who I am; I’m just trying to leave the world a little better than I found it.

More than 9 million people have their identity stolen each year. But what I’m talking about isn’t a case of stolen identity. It’s a matter of forgotten identity. We have forgotten that our identity is in Christ. We have forgotten that He calls us a child of God. We have forgotten He has gifted us with unique skills and abilities. We have forgotten we are on mission for the Lord.  

How did we get here? I think the primary reason is a lack of intentionality. If we are not careful, our culture will label us and give us a new name. You are a mom; your sole purpose is living for your children. You are a business owner; your responsibility is to make as much money as possible. You are an athlete; the world values you based on your level of talent. What’s wrong with this picture? If we are not constantly pointing back to God, we lose sight of who we truly are and what our main purpose is – to serve God and bring him glory.

Your relationship with money has very little to do with math and almost everything to do with your identity. If you’re not steadfast in who you are and what you’re about, financial wellness will likely always feel like a moving target.

So before you begin chasing another financial goal, answer these questions: Who am I? How does my identity influence my financial decisions?