What Defines You?

On Sunday the world’s #1 golfer, Scottie Scheffler, won The Open Championship, often called the British Open. His first-place finish wasn’t so much a surprise, as the dominant fashion in which he won.

However, what captured even more headlines was his press conference prior to winning when he said, “This is not a fulfilling life. It’s fulfilling from the sense of accomplishment, but it’s not fulfilling from a sense of the deepest places of your heart.”

Scheffler further explained, “I love the challenge. I love being able to play this game for a living. It’s one of the greatest joys of my life. But does it fill the deepest wants and desires of my heart? Absolutely not.”

He then asked and answered his own question. “Why do I want to win The Open Championship so badly? I don’t know. Because, if I win, it’s going to be an awesome two minutes. Then we’re going to get to the next week.”

Scheffler, then added that golf does not define him as a person. Throughout his career he has been known for his devotion to his faith and family. In fact, last year before winning the Master’s Scheffler said, “It doesn’t matter if I win this tournament or lose this tournament. My identity is secure forever.” He then added, “I believe in Jesus. Ultimately, I think that’s what defines me the most.”

In a culture when so many people define their self worth by their success at sports, a profession, a hobby, net worth, or material possessions, Scottie Scheffler shines a beacon of light in a world that has often lost its way.

What defines who you are?

We often hear of people who are having an “identity crisis,” especially young people who are trying to “find themselves.” In doing so, it’s important to know who you are. Many are like the actress Lily Tomlin who once quipped, “I’ve always wanted to be somebody, but I see now I should have been more specific.”

In The Mask Behind the Mask, biographer Peter Evans says that actor Peter Sellers played so many roles he sometimes was not sure of his own identity. Approached once by a fan who asked him, “Are you Peter Sellers?” Sellers answered briskly, “Not today,” and walked on.

Developmental psychologist, Erik Erikson believes that the formation of identity is one of the most important aspects of a person’s life. However, he believes that it is something that changes as we confront new challenges and engage in varied experiences.

My friend and preaching colleague, Gary Henry, correctly observed: “What we are right now stands between what we used to be and what we will be.”

Who we are at this present time reflects the sum total of our values, beliefs, relationships, goals, and purpose in life. It reflects what we’re passionate about. It speaks to the very core of our character which has to with moral and ethical qualities. Reputation. Behavior. And integrity.

Christians growing in “the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ,”(2 Pet 3:18) know who they are. Paul put it this way, “By the grace of God I am what I am…Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (1 Cor. 15:10; 2 Cor 5:17)

My identity is expressed in my relationship to Christ. My old self is crucified (Rom 6:6). I am united with Him in one spirit (1 Cor 6:17). And I live to bring Him praise and pleasure (Eph 1:5-6). So, my life is lived in faith and focused on my eternal hope.

This does not mean that all Christians are identical clones. Each with their own unique personality, temperament, tastes, diverse backgrounds, experiences, and opinions share a commonality in Christ. While we’re all different, we develop our own distinct identities from the same source.

When we truly understand who we are in Christ, it changes the way we think, live, and behave. It causes us to rise above adversity. To overcome misfortune. To deal with difficult relationships. But also to remain level-headed, benevolent, prudent and appreciative when enjoying success. Thus, we are neither defined by our problems or our prosperity.

What defines you?

The late author and theologian Henri Nouwen offered this insight. “You are not what you do. You are not what you have. You are not what people say about you. You are the beloved of God.”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman