“Who am I?”

There is a great story about Art Linkletter, who was a household name and widely known in his heyday as a television personality. The story goes that, as Mr. Linkletter entertained at a nursing home, with microphone in hand, he asked an elderly lady in a wheelchair, “Do you know who I am?” The lady replied, “No, I don’t, but if you will go over to the nurses’ station, one of the nice people there will tell you who you are.”

“Who am I?” It’s a great question that all of us should ask ourselves at some point. It seems that some folks define themselves by work or profession, and others by family or circumstances, or many other things, whether good or bad. But, who are we, really? It is a profound, defining question as we live our lives day by day, pursuing our personal hopes, dreams, and goals. Many people go through their whole lives without ever really defining who they are and what they should be doing with their lives. This lack of direction can cause confusion, damaged relationships, heartache, and pain.

One thing is certain—we often fail to see ourselves as others see us. The people with whom you work and play and interact on various levels would probably describe you quite differently than you would describe yourself.

For people of faith, this is an especially important question and one that can be answered only in the Bible. For example, in the book of Romans in the New Testament we find, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. … The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ…” (Romans 8:14–17). Think of it—children of God and heirs, a concept that should inspire us and help us to look beyond the day-to-day difficulties and trials that all of us experience. In Galatians 4:28 we are referred to as “children of promise,” and in Ephesians 5:8 we are admonished to walk as “children of light.”

These verses show plainly that we are important to God and that He has something very special in mind for us, something that most Christians in mainstream denominations overlook because of preconceived notions about heaven and hell that are not supported by the Bible.

From a correct biblical perspective, our personal answer to the question, “Who am I?” should take on deeper, more transcendental meaning and purpose for us than just giving our name or occupation or role in this life. The question should cause us to examine what we do and how we do it as we seek to fulfill the role God has for us now, and in the life to come.

If you would like some guidance on this vital subject from a biblical perspective, consider the free Tomorrow’s World study guide What Is the Meaning of Life? With the information given in this booklet, you can answer the question “Who am I?”—without asking someone at the nurses’ station.