For a very long time, I have felt an intuition to write about the things I have learned and the inspirations drawn from life. And today, that journey begins! Thank God!
Over the years, I have often found myself pondering a profound question whenever I encounter significant events—whether moments of joy, cherished customs, or challenging hardships—Who am I?
Interestingly, this very question reminds me of one of the first commands I learned in the Unix operating system: “whoami”. This simple yet powerful command has stuck with me, not just as a technical utility but as a metaphor for identity.
Technically, the “whoami” command is primarily used for two main purposes, though it has many applications. First, to check if the logged-in user ID is correct. Second, when performing tasks that require special privileges, especially after switching users, it helps determine who is actually “running the show.”
In general, identity is often perceived through the roles, positions, or status we hold in society. Sometimes, these roles grant us acceptance in the world around us. But is this external identity the true whoami?
Rather than answering this with a simple yes or no, let’s explore what whoami truly means.
Consider a real-life story—a person who lived only a short span of years, held no official position, played no recognized role in society, and established no worldly status. Yet, His ideology has been embraced and upheld for over 2000 years, still influencing the world today. Isn’t that the most profound impact one could ever have?
How could someone continue to shape the world without authority or status? Imagine that person himself asking the question, who am I?
Pause for a moment. Reflect. What possible answer could He have given?
Hope you arrived who He is, and possible what His answer. 🙂
While the answer may vary, the essence remains the same. If we correctly recognize this person and His ideology, the deeper question shifts back to us—who am I?
Identity does not require any titles such as roles, positions, status, or any such thing to be demonstrated or explained. It is not something external but something deeply rooted in who we truly are. And reflecting its essence in all that we do. True identity remains constant, while everything else—titles, circumstances, and perceptions—remains in motion. Moreover, identity is not something we inherit by birthright; it must be embraced and secured.
How do we earn or secure our true identity? This verse quickly comes to mind:
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Through faith in Jesus, we are transformed into a new creation, shedding past identities and embracing a renewed life with a true sense of self.
If at any point, knowingly or unknowingly, the titles we hold fail to reflect our true identity, it is a clear sign that we need to pause and rediscover who we truly are. The time is always right to embrace our God-given identity and live it out authentically.
Think of a seed. A seed does not need to prove itself as a tree; its identity as a tree is already embedded within it. It may go through different stages—being buried in the soil, sprouting, growing, and bearing fruit—but its core identity never changes. When the seed grows and yields, it will naturally produce its own kind of fruit, regardless of where it was planted or whether salt water was poured on it. Similarly, our identity is not based on external appearances or shifting circumstances. It is defined by our Creator, and when we embrace that truth, we grow into the fullness of who we were meant to be.
Our identity is not shaped by worldly titles, roles, or circumstances, but by the One who created us. Just as a seed carries within it the promise of a tree, we carry within us the purpose and calling God has designed for us. The breath of God gives us life, and through faith in Christ, we are renewed and transformed into who we were truly meant to be.
When we abide in Him, our identity is secure, our purpose is clear, and our lives bear the fruit of His presence.
“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)
Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” (Genesis 1:28)
True identity is not found in the fleeting things of this world but in the unchanging truth of who God says we are. Let us embrace that identity and live it out with faith and purpose.