Who Do We Think or Believe We Are?
....in comparison with or to ourselves or comparing you to who or what?
The phrase "Who do we think we are?" often serves as a reflective question, inviting introspection and self-examination. It delves into the realms of identity, self-perception, and the societal roles we assume. Let's explore this concept from various perspectives:
Identity and Self-Perception
Individual Identity:
1. Self-Concept: This includes our beliefs, attitudes, and opinions about ourselves. It's how we view our abilities, traits, and roles in life.
2. Self-Esteem: This refers to the value we place on ourselves. High self-esteem is linked to positive self-regard, while low self-esteem can lead to self-doubt, major insecurity issues such as creating emotional struggles, emotional immaturity or emotional imbalance.
3. Self-Reflection: This is the process of introspection where we ask ourselves questions like, "Who am I?" and "What do I stand for?"
Collective Identity:
1. Cultural Identity: This is shaped by the cultural norms and values of the community or society we belong to. It influences our language, traditions, and worldviews.
2. Social Roles: Society often assigns roles based on factors like age, gender, occupation, and status. These roles can shape our identity and how we see ourselves.
3. Community Influence: Our sense of belonging to a group or community can significantly influence our identity. This can include family, friends, religious groups, or professional organizations.
Philosophical Perspectives:
1. Existentialism: This philosophy suggests that we are responsible for creating our own identity through choices and actions. It emphasizes personal freedom and responsibility.
2. Humanism: Focuses on human values and concerns, encouraging individuals to strive for self-actualization and fulfillment.
3. Postmodernism: Challenges the idea of a single, unified identity, suggesting that our identities are fluid and shaped by various social and cultural contexts.
The Role of Society and Media:
1. Media Influence: Media plays a significant role in shaping our self-perception by portraying ideals and stereotypes that can affect our body image, self-worth, and aspirations.
2. Social Media: Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and Twitter allow us to curate our identities, often presenting an idealized version of ourselves to the world.
3. Societal Expectations: Societal norms and expectations can pressure individuals to conform to certain identities, which may conflict with their true unique selves.
"Who do we think we are?" is a profound question that encourages us to delve into the depths of our own identity and understand the myriad influences that shape it. By examining our self-concept, societal roles, and the philosophical underpinnings of identity, we can gain a clearer understanding of ourselves and how we fit into the world around us.
Understanding Our Spiritual Identity
In a spiritual sense, the question of "who are we?" transcends the physical and delves into the essence of our being. Different philosophies, religions, and spiritual teachings provide varied interpretations of our spiritual identity. Here are some perspectives that can help illuminate this profound inquiry:
The Soul
Many spiritual traditions assert that at our core, we are souls. The soul is often described as an eternal and indestructible essence that embodies our true self. It is believed to be the source of our consciousness and individuality, distinct from the physical body and mind.
Connection to the Divine
In various spiritual frameworks, humans are seen as manifestations of a greater divine presence. This can mean that we carry a divine spark or essence within us, connecting us to a higher power of this universe. This connection suggests that we are, in part, divine beings experiencing life in a human form.
Interconnectedness
A common theme in spirituality is the idea of interconnectedness. Many teachings emphasize that all beings are interconnected, suggesting that our spiritual identity is not isolated but part of a larger, intricate web of life. This interconnectedness fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose with the universe and all living things.
Life’s Purpose and Growth
From a spiritual perspective, our identity is often linked to the idea of life as a journey of growth and learning. We are seen as spiritual beings having a human experience, with the purpose of evolving, developing virtues, and gaining wisdom. This journey is unique to each individual but ultimately aims at spiritual enlightenment or fulfillment.
Inner Peace and Authenticity
Spirituality often encourages us to seek our true selves by looking inward. Our spiritual identity is tied to finding inner peace and living authentically. By aligning our actions and thoughts with our inner values and Gods truths, we can live in harmony with our spiritual essence.
In essence, understanding our spiritual identity involves exploring the depths of our existence beyond the physical realm. It's a journey of discovering the soul, connecting with the divine, recognizing our interconnectedness, fulfilling our life's purpose, and living authentically. Each individual's spiritual path is unique, yet all seek to answer the profound question of "who are we?" in a way that resonates with their beliefs and experiences.
Who Do We Think or Believe We Are in Comparison to Jesus?
When considering the question, "Who do we think or believe we are compared to Jesus?" it's humbling to reflect on the profound difference between humanity and the divine nature of Christ. Jesus, as depicted in Christian teachings, represents perfection, selflessness, and the ultimate example of love joy peace obedience courage assurance long suffering self discipline focused willingness clean holy righteous uncompromising intentional endurance wisdom understanding strength powerful anointed holy spirit commited humility steadfast planted unmovable faithful faith walk patience stability sinless purity hope excellence honorable truths life giving compassion passion and sacrifice. He lived a life without sin, offering grace and salvation to all, while we as humans are inherently flawed and prone to error. Yet, the incredible aspect of Jesus' message is that, despite our imperfections, we are deeply loved and valued. It's not about comparing ourselves to Him in a way that diminishes our worth; instead, it's about recognizing His greatness and striving to live by the principles He taught—humility, compassion, faith and as well as the many other principles. In the end, it's less about who we think we are in comparison and more about who we can become by following His example.
Understanding Our Place in Comparison to Jesus
The Historical and Spiritual Figure of Jesus:
Jesus of Nazareth, a central figure in Christianity, is regarded by believers as the Son of God and the Savior of humanity. His teachings, life, death, and resurrection are foundational to Christian faith, and he is revered for his compassion, wisdom, and selfless love.
Human Nature and Jesus:
In contemplating our place compared to Jesus, it's important to acknowledge the differences between human nature and the divine nature attributed to Jesus. While Jesus is seen as both fully human and fully divine, humans are bound by the limitations of our earthly existence and imperfections.
Common Qualities:
Despite these differences, there are qualities that both Jesus and humans share:
Empathy and Compassion: Jesus demonstrated immense compassion, teaching love and kindness towards others. Humans, too, have the capacity for empathy and can strive to embody these qualities in their daily lives.
Moral and Ethical Guidance: Jesus provided moral teachings that continue to influence ethical behavior across cultures. Humans often seek guidance from these teachings, aiming to improve their character and actions.
Aspirations for Betterment:
Many people look to Jesus as a model for personal growth and spiritual development. By aspiring to follow his teachings, individuals can work towards becoming better versions of themselves, embracing values such as forgiveness, humility, and commitment in our offering of wise service unto God to others who may be in great need.
The Role of Humility:
Understanding our place compared to Jesus also involves humility. Recognizing that no human can achieve perfection or divine wisdom highlights the importance of continuous learning and growth. Humility allows us to accept our limitations while also motivating us to strive for a greater higher standard of love wisdom goodness and understanding while intentionally choosing to daily follow and imitate Jesus Christ.
In contemplating who we think we are compared to Jesus, it is crucial to recognize both the profound differences and shared aspirations. While humans may never fully embody the divine nature of Jesus, we can learn from his teachings and strive to incorporate his values into our lives, fostering a deeper connection with ourselves and others.
Comparing Oneself to Jesus: A Thoughtful Reflection
Comparing oneself to a historical or religious figure can be a complex endeavor, especially when that figure is as significant as Jesus. While this comparison may initially seem audacious, it can serve as a means of introspection and personal growth. Below, we explore the potential areas of comparison, emphasizing the values and principles embodied by Jesus that can inspire individuals today.
Core Values and Principles
Compassion and Kindness:
Jesus: Known for his compassion and kindness, Jesus often reached out to those marginalized by society, offering healing and understanding.
Personal Reflection: Consider how you demonstrate compassion in your daily life. Are there opportunities to extend kindness to those who are less fortunate or who are in a greater need of support?
Forgiveness:
Jesus: Forgiveness was a central tenet of Jesus' teachings. He encouraged followers to forgive others, even in the face of betrayal or wrongdoing.
Personal Reflection: Reflect on the role forgiveness plays in your life. Are you able to let go of grudges, offense and offer forgiveness to those who may have or who have wronged you unintentionally or even intentionally?
Humility:
Jesus: Despite his effectiveness in influence, Jesus led a life of humility, often placing the needs of others above his own. God lead Selflessness
Personal Reflection: How do you practice humility? Consider moments where you prioritize others who are in greater need of God led selfless assistance and you demonstrated modesty in your achievements. Helping to steer them towards God or back to God.
Leadership Through Example
Jesus: Jesus was a leader who inspired by setting and by being an excellent self sacrificing humble servant example who operated in supernatural holy power and in anointed authority and dominion while in the earth, while teaching and demonstrating the manifestation of miracles signs and wonders, and by intentionally faithfully by faith living out the principles He espoused.
Personal Reflection: Evaluate how you lead in your own circles, whether at work, in the community, at home or even while at your church. Do you lead by example, guiding others through your actions and reactions, while you are intentionally daily faithfully by faith following and imitating Jesus Christ?
Challenges and Aspirations
Imperfection and Growth:
While Jesus is often viewed as a perfect figure, it's important to acknowledge our own imperfections. The goal is not to become Jesus, because He alone can only be himself, there is and will never be another Him, but it is for us to aspire to intentionally faithfully by faith daily adopt his virtues in our unique, human way.
Cultivating a Personal Path:
Every individual has their own journey. By drawing inspiration from Jesus' life, you can cultivate a path that aligns with uniquely created God led values and aspirations for you to intentionally daily faithfully by faith operate as, contributing positively to the world around you.
Conclusion
Comparing oneself to Jesus can be a profound exercise in personal development. By focusing on the core values and principles he embodied, individuals can strive to lead lives marked by compassion, forgiveness, humility, selflessness, exemplary leadership and the more core values He possessed and operated as. This reflection is not about achieving perfection but daily pressing pushing towards leaning towards striving for perfection longing to be like Jesus Christ towards obtaining continuous growth and making a meaningful manifested impact in your own life first and then sharing and transferring that continuous growth manifestation in effectively helping to make a meaningful impact in and on the lives of others who are living in and with much hope, who may greatly need and may have been sincerely seeking this, and are therefore open and ready to receive the God led wise humble integral peaceful concerns love and compassion shown to them. Comparing ourselves with another and allowing others to compare us with another can create some major Insecurity issues that should not be taken lightly nor for granted, causing low self-esteem, low or lack in confidence as well as causing emotional damage that can negatively affect influence taunt wound contaminate pollute and devalue our personal or self-worth self-value self-boundaries self-standards and self-love. And also be very mindful that our daily actions or reactions, dealings, copings, interactions, views, in our behavior, character, disposition and secret or visible true intentions and true motives can label and identify us truthfully or falsely, we can no doubt decide on this. Or course we may not always or may never have control over others reactions of what they may chose to think of us, but we do have control over or can intentionally learn or can grow up into maturity gaining the self-discipline, the self-control and the self-love that is greatly needed, no matter what we choose to allow ourselves to continue to be deceived in believing what we cannot do or is so very difficult or hard for us to do, which is all an inexcusable unexcused lie. WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE TO and FOR THEM WHO HAVE THE FAITH TO TRUST AND BELIEVE. AND WE CAN AIM TO STRIVE TO PRESS FORWARD TO BE AND TO DO ALL THINGS THROUGH AND IN CHRIST WHO CAN AND WILL DAILY GIVE US THE RENEWED STRENGTH THAT HE KNOWS WILL BE AND IS GREATLY NEEDED IN ORDER TO EFFECTIVELY DO AND BECOME. THE GREATER ONE IS ALREADY IN US...... WITH GOD BEING FOR US IN HIS DECISION TO STAY WITH US HE AIN'T GOING NO WHERE, WHO CAN BE AGAINST US. AND WHY SHOULD WE CARE ABOUT WHO OR WHAT MAY CHOOSE TO BE TO STAY OR COME AGAINST US.
3 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
3 1-2 So if you’re serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that’s where the action is. See things from his perspective.
3-4 Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life—even though invisible to spectators—is with Christ in God. He is your life. When Christ (your real life, remember) shows up again on this earth, you’ll show up, too—the real you, the glorious you. Meanwhile, be content with obscurity, like Christ.
Matthew 19:23-30 The Message version:
25 The disciples were staggered. “Then who has any chance at all?”
26 Jesus looked hard at them and said, “No chance at all if you think you can pull it off yourself. Every chance in the world if you trust God to do it.”
27 Then Peter chimed in, “We left everything and followed you. What do we get out of it?”
28-30 Jesus replied, “Yes, you have followed me. In the re-creation of the world, when the Son of Man will rule gloriously, you who have followed me will also rule, starting with the twelve tribes of Israel. And not only you, but anyone who sacrifices home, family, fields—whatever—because of me will get it all back a hundred times over, not to mention the considerable bonus of eternal life. This is the Great Reversal: many of the first ending up last, and the last first.”
23 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “It is almost impossible for a rich man to get into the Kingdom of Heaven. 24 I say it again—it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God!”
25 This remark confounded the disciples. “Then who in the world can be saved?” they asked.
26 Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, no one. But with God, everything is possible.”
27 Then Peter said to him, “We left everything to follow you. What will we get out of it?”
28 And Jesus replied, “When I, the Messiah,shall sit upon my glorious throne in the Kingdom, you my disciples shall certainly sit on twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And anyone who gives up his home, brothers, sisters, father, mother, wife, children, or property, to follow me, shall receive a hundred times as much in return, and shall have eternal life. 30 But many who are first now will be last then; and some who are last now will be first then.”
Philippian Generosity
10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
10-14 I’m glad in God, far happier than you would ever guess—happy that you’re again showing such strong concern for me. Not that you ever quit praying and thinking about me. You just had no chance to show it. Actually, I don’t have a sense of needing anything personally. I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. I don’t mean that your help didn’t mean a lot to me—it did. It was a beautiful thing that you came alongside me in my troubles.
2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.
6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.
7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.
13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.
14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.
15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.
16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
19 We love him, because he first loved us.
Don’t Believe Everything You Hear
4 My dear friends, don’t believe everything you hear. Carefully weigh and examine what people tell you. Not everyone who talks about God comes from God. There are a lot of lying preachers loose in the world.
2-3 Here’s how you test for the genuine Spirit of God. Everyone who confesses openly his faith in Jesus Christ—the Son of God, who came as an actual flesh-and-blood person—comes from God and belongs to God. And everyone who refuses to confess faith in Jesus has nothing in common with God. This is the spirit of antichrist that you heard was coming. Well, here it is, sooner than we thought!
4-6 My dear children, you come from God and belong to God. You have already won a big victory over those false teachers, for the Spirit in you is far stronger than anything in the world. These people belong to the Christ-denying world. They talk the world’s language and the world eats it up. But we come from God and belong to God. Anyone who knows God understands us and listens. The person who has nothing to do with God will, of course, not listen to us. This is another test for telling the Spirit of Truth from the spirit of deception.
God Is Love
7-10 My beloved friends, let us continue to love each other since love comes from God. Everyone who loves is born of God and experiences a relationship with God. The person who refuses to love doesn’t know the first thing about God, because God is love—so you can’t know him if you don’t love. This is how God showed his love for us: God sent his only Son into the world so we might live through him. This is the kind of love we are talking about—not that we once upon a time loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to clear away our sins and the damage they’ve done to our relationship with God.
11-12 My dear, dear friends, if God loved us like this, we certainly ought to love each other. No one has seen God, ever. But if we love one another, God dwells deeply within us, and his love becomes complete in us—perfect love!
13-16 This is how we know we’re living steadily and deeply in him, and he in us: He’s given us life from his life, from his very own Spirit. Also, we’ve seen for ourselves and continue to state openly that the Father sent his Son as Savior of the world. Everyone who confesses that Jesus is God’s Son participates continuously in an intimate relationship with God. We know it so well, we’ve embraced it heart and soul, this love that comes from God.
To Love, to Be Loved
17-18 God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home and mature in us, so that we’re free of worry on Judgment Day—our standing in the world is identical with Christ’s. There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life—fear of death, fear of judgment—is one not yet fully formed in love.
19 We, though, are going to love—love and be loved. First we were loved, now we love. He loved us first.
20-21 If anyone boasts, “I love God,” and goes right on hating his brother or sister, thinking nothing of it, he is a liar. If he won’t love the person he can see, how can he love the God he can’t see? The command we have from Christ is blunt: Loving God includes loving people. You’ve got to love both.
26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.
34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
26-28 Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don’t know how or what to pray, it doesn’t matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.
29-30 God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his Son. The Son stands first in the line of humanity he restored. We see the original and intended shape of our lives there in him. After God made that decision of what his children should be like, he followed it up by calling people by name. After he called them by name, he set them on a solid basis with himself. And then, after getting them established, he stayed with them to the end, gloriously completing what he had begun.
31-39 So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn’t hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn’t gladly and freely do for us? And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God’s chosen? Who would dare even to point a finger? The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ’s love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture:
They kill us in cold blood because they hate you.
We’re sitting ducks; they pick us off one by one.
None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.
TO OUR GOD BE ALL OF THE GLORY FOREVER AND EVER AMEN!!!
GOD BLESS