The Search for Purpose Begins with Identity (Start with WHO, not WHY)

We live in a world obsessed with purpose. Everyone wants to “find their why,” but many end up frustrated, chasing things that never satisfy. Maybe you’ve asked, “God, why am I here? What’s my purpose in life?”

Before God reveals the why, He always establishes the who.

Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”

Genesis 1:26

In Genesis 1:26, we see that God created male and female in His image and likeness. That means the source of our identity is God Himself. We were made from Him, for Him, and to reflect Him. Before Adam and Eve were given a purpose—to be fruitful, multiply, and have dominion—they were first given an identity: image-bearers of God.

This shows us something profound: identity precedes purpose.

But when sin entered the world, that order was broken. Humanity hid from God, their source of identity, and began defining themselves by what they did, what they owned, or what others thought. That same pattern still exists today. We scroll through social media comparing our behind-the-scenes to someone else’s highlight reel. We chase careers, trends, or platforms trying to prove we matter. But when identity is misplaced, purpose feels empty.

Here’s the truth: your purpose cannot define you—only your Creator can.

So, before asking, “What am I here to do?”, ask, “Who am I in Christ?” When you return to the Source, you rediscover yourself.

Prayer:

Father, thank You for creating me in Your image. Help me to stop chasing purpose apart from You. Teach me to rest in who I am before trying to do anything for You. Amen.

Reflection:

What have you been using to define yourself—your job, your success, your past, or people’s opinions? Take a moment to realign your identity with what God says about you.