Eight years ago I wrote a post about identity and as I considered writing something along similar lines again, I re-read it and was reminded of the single most important thing I am: a child of God.

We should make a distinction between what we do and who we are. When someone asks the question or when we think about ourselves we often define ourselves in terms of our job or our hobbies. “I am a software developer”, or “a manager” or “a runner”, or “a poet”, we say. But that is a very flimsy foundation to build our identity on.

It helps us form good habits and shake bad habits to define ourselves this way. If I say that I am a runner rather than just someone who runs, it helps me become a runner more and more. (See Atomic Habits by James Clear) But there is a catch and one should hold this identity lightly.

Last Sunday I ran the Chandigarh marathon (a half marathon, actually) and my goal was to run it under 1 hour and 30 minutes. Until about halfway, I was on track, but then, despite my best efforts, I had to slow down and came in around 1:34:50. Therefore, I did not live up to my own expectations, and consequently if I identify as a runner, I am now worth less, right? Worthless?

And that is the problem with identifying who we are by what we do. Following this logic, the one who cannot do anything is worth nothing. Think of people who have grown old and maybe suffer from dementia or Alzheimer’s. By this logic, they are worthless, but are they? Or what about someone born with severe brain damage or autism who has to be cared for their whole life?

Their worth was bestowed through creation. God thought it good to create this human in His image and therefore this person is worthy. So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:27)

Yes, we destroy that image by the things we choose to do, like lying, cheating, hurting others, lusting after people or things, killing, and many other destructive behaviors. These things cause separation between us and God. We are all guilty of not honouring our creator and running away from him, but that does not take away our original value.

And God also made a way through Jesus to restore us to himself. He removed the guilt, if we trust in Jesus. This is a start to becoming more and more the person He intended us to be. Thinking of this gives me hope. Even if I should fail at all things, I am still the beloved child of my all-powerful, all-loving, all-knowing, just, eternal, Father.