You are more than an empty Amazon cart

60 statements to hold onto if you're asking "Who am I?" in these times

Have you ever asked the question, Who am I?

It’s often clear to ourselves what we aren’t. The world is good at showing us that, filling our screens and attention with it. Spend 10 minutes online and you’ve got a case study on what brands, politicians, and algorithms think about you. What they peg you to be.

You are more than an empty Amazon cart that’s ready to be filled. You are more than a vote for a political party that won’t fulfill its promises. You are even more than a doom scroller and witness to viral trends. (In case you were wondering).

It’s a good question to ask. Under it all, who am I?

I’ve definitely asked this question and circle back to it throughout life and especially on my journey as a writer.

Quick aside: This week I released Chapter 7 in Book One of Ten Silver Coins right here on TIWD, and it’s what got me thinking of identity. In the chapter, Jill’s about to be entrusted with the treasure of ten coins (that she quickly loses). A treasure of immense and essential value (sorta like your own life). But before they’re given to her, she has a wild encounter with Seraph, a terrifying but kind being who confirms her identity in a surprising way.

Made to be…

I remember one time, when I asked that question desperately. I faced an existential crisis (one of many thus far). The rather desperate Q was answered immediately with a memory of a scripture: You are what He made you, created in Christ for good works.

Ephesians is a powerful text about identity. If you have a minute, read Ephesians 2: 4-10 to get a sense of how dignifying and uplifting it is.

I went through the first century letter and paid close attention to who Paul says the believer is, that is, Who He Made Us To Be.  There are over 60 statements about identity.

Because the list is so meaty, encouraging and dazzling, I thought I’d share the findings here. I hope the bulky list breathes hope into your day. Find a statement that resonates with you and cling to it.

What He Made Us To Be (60+ Truths on Identity from Ephesians)

Chapter 1

• blessed with every spiritual blessing (3)

• holy

• blameless (4)

• children (5)

• redeemed

• forgiven (7)

• bearers of the mystery of God’s will (9)

• benefactors of inheritance (11)

• people who live to praise God in all His glory (12)

• people who are marked by the Holy Spirit (13)

Chapter 2

• alive (5)

• saved (5, 8)

• seated with Christ in the heavenly places (6)

• created for good works (10)

• close to God (13)

• united with all who believe by faith in Christ (14)

• a new humanity (15)

• reconciled to God (16)

• people with access to the God the Father through the Spirit (18)

• citizens of God’s kingdom 

• saints

• members of God’s house (19)

• part of a holy temple that is built with other believers 

• the very dwelling place of God (22)

Chapter 3

• people who are to make the wisdom of God known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places by being the church (10)

• people who are to be filled with the fullness of God (19)

Chapter 4

• meant to lead a life worthy of the calling (being like Christ in our actions) (1)

• humble, gentle, patient, loving (2)

• meant to maintain the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace (3)

• people who function in spiritual gifts that are freely given to us (11)

• mature (13)

• meant to speak the truth in love

• meant to grow up into Christ (15)

• renewed in our minds

• clothed with a new self

• righteous, holy (24)

• people who speak the truth (25)

• work honestly

• share with the needy (28)

• kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving (32)

Chapter 5

• people who are to be like God, living in love

• beloved children

• selfless and sacrificial (1-2)

• thankful (4)

• people created to do what is good, right, true – children of light (8-9)

• curious about and intent to do what pleases the Lord (10)

• people who expose deeds of darkness (11)

• wise with time (16)

• people who understand the will of God  (which is living a godly life) (17)

• filled with the spirit (18)

• worshippers (19)

• subject to one another, putting others before self (21)

Chapter 6

• people of honour, respecting those who deserve respect and treating fairly those over whom we have charge (1-7)

• hard workers

• people who do good (7-8)

• strong in the Lord 

• filled with God’s power (10)

• people who stand firm

• equipped with spiritual armour

• fighters and victors in a spiritual battle (13-17)

• consistent, fervent people of prayer for the saints

• alert, knowing when, how what to pray  (18)

So, now what?

It’s hard to absorb that all! If you feel a bit of wow, you’re not alone. Revel in it. Glory in it. Hold onto something from this list that thrilled some life and hope into you.

If you’re a believer, that’s how God sees you. If you’re not a believer, just say “uncle.” Relent. Be seen in this way.

Maybe start with a declaration. Say it out loud, a whisper or a howl: I AM WHAT HE MADE ME TO BE, CREATED IN CHRIST FOR GOOD WORKS.

God’s word is generous and his will is open. Paul, the man who wrote the letter, doesn’t didactically tell his Ephesian audience what those good works are. Instead he says:

Live as children of light for the fruit of light is found in what is good and right and true. Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord.
~5: 8-10

What relief. Each of us can do that.

Just in case…

I hope these words give encouragement to you if you’re asking, God what is your will?  What do I do? Who am I?

There is a lot of room to maneuver as you walk in goodness, rightness, and truth.

You were created for this work. You have authority to do it by nature of who you are because of who God made you to be. 

Remember that next time the algorithm serves up an ad that shows you what you’re missing.