Do You Know Who I Am? A Question of Life identity in Perspective

DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM? A Question of Life identity in Perspective

Perpend the following:

“And God formed man out of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living thing” (Genesis 2:7)

Personality validation and recognition is part of human nature. We all expect recognition sometimes, in some places by some people. And where it is not accorded, we ask for it. Therefore, we ask, do you know me? Do you know who I am? and Who are you?
Sometimes it is a casual inquiry of identification, sometimes it is asked out of respect, pride, boasting, self-confidence and in contempt, depending on the context. 
What is important is who God says you are not what man says you are.

David asked in Psalm 8:4 “What is man that you are mindful of him……...?” This conveys the idea that humans are small, and nothing compared to God’s greatness. God created us out of dust and gave us life. “And God formed man out of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living thing” (Genesis 2:7).  We can only live if He allows us, no wonder Job said “Man, who is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble” (Job 14:1)

As certain as Job’s statement and this assertion is that “this world is not our home, we are just passing by”, most people often behave like they own this world, and they will live in it forever. They forget that man is mortal and his stay on earth is brief.

Edeh was a powerful and wealthy man in his community.  He married 5 wives that birthed 25 children for him. He owned houses, cars, lands, etc. He was not the recognized ruler of the community, but his possessions positioned him to have the final say in any matter concerning the community. Anytime he felt not recognized, insulted, or neglected, the next thing you will hear from him is “do you know me?”  And he will go on to do self-validation and self-introduction. “If you do not know or you have forgotten, I am Edeh, the richest man in this community, husband of 5 wives, father of 25 children that have given me 8 grandchildren and still counting, the owner of large portions of land in the community, owner of many cars and houses. Let me also remind you that I talk what happens in the land. With my money I can close any mouth and change any verdict.”

Today, Edeh is no more. He left everything behind, money, property, wives, and children. His compound that was also busy and bustling is as dry as the desert and as quiet as graveyard. All his children are now living in their own homes and houses. Some of his wives have joined him in the great beyond while those alive have joined their children in their homes. All the cars have been sold off as scraps by his children because they are outdated. His house - a storey building is caving in because nobody lives there, and nobody cares to maintain it. The powerful wealthy man is nowhere to be seen anymore. He is gone forever leaving his possessions behind. This is the way every man must go whether rich or poor. “The poor beggar died; the rich man also died” (Luke 16:22). Nothing is permanent including wealth, authority, power, and life itself.

Perpend the following answers and facts about the question of life identity “Do you know me? Do you know who I am?”

This is who you are. 

• You are an image of God.
   
• You are made from the dust of the ground.
   
• Dust weighs nothing. 
   
• But God put life in you.
   
• You are given dominion over all other creatures.
   
• But you are fallible. 
   
• You are frail. 
   
• You are a mortal.
   
• You will die.
   
• You are like a vapour (shadow) that appears for a little time, and it vanishes away” (James 4:14).  

All your pursuit in life is futile and insignificant in the greater scheme of this world. Ecclesiastes says, “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity” (Eccl. 1:2). “Man, that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble” (Job 14:1). The world you live in is a sad and troubled world. You cannot pretend about it. You are pained by various ugly and painful situations. There is trouble everywhere in the world. There is hunger, hardship, diseases, insecurity, killing, destruction in the world.

Kindly perpend the following lessons in life:

Considering the case of Edeh and the fact that you too will leave behind all you have acquired on this earth, positions, possessions, wealth, fame, popularity, titles, certificates and knowing who you are, the question should not be “do you know who I am, or do you know me?”  The question should be what can I do with the time I have to live? What can I do with my position and possessions to better the society and humanity? What value am I adding or what value can I add with my economic, social, or political status? What impact am I making in the life of the people around me?  

You will be remembered either for the problems you created or the ones you solve with your position and possessions. What you did with power when you were in authority will speak for you in years to come.

In the words of Peter Marshall, “The measure of life is not its duration but its donation”. What story will you leave behind? Do you think of a good reputation, a good name?   Remember “A good name is better than wealth.” (Proverbs 22:1). I urge you to leave a reputation that will not bring shame to the family you will leave behind.

Lord, make me to know my end and measure my days, what it is that I may know how frail I am. Behold thou has made my days like a hand breath, and mine age is as nothing before thee, verily everyman at his best is altogether vanity (Psalm 39:4-5).

Perpend!

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