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“Who am I?”
It’s the title of a soul-searching Broadway song.
It’s a question we all ask ourselves at some point in life.
It’s a question for which you need an steadfast answer.
Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; Â (John 13:3)
That verse has always impressed me. Jesus was facing His most difficult trial, but He knew where He came from and where He was going. There’s comfort in having an identity, a purpose in life. That identity and purpose is what we all seek. Those who don’t have it are either listless and uncaring or frantically searching for answers.
That verse reminds me of a story…
(I’ll tell an abridged version.)
Once there was a rabbi who lived during the Roman occupation of Jerusalem. On his way home from the synagogue one evening, he was so absorbed in his recitation of the Scriptures that he missed his usual route home. Instead, he came upon a Roman garrison, where a guard was stationed to keep watch. All of a sudden, the rabbi was woken from his thoughts by a booming voice, asking him, ‘Who are you, and what are you doing here?’
The rabbi, in typical Jewish fashion, thought a bit, then replied with a question of his own. ‘What do you get paid?’
The guard, taken aback, replied sarcastically, “Five drachmas a week, Jew. What is it to you?’
The rabbi replied, ‘I’ll pay you double if you’ll stand outside my house and ask me those same questions every morning.’
“Who are you, and what are you doing here?”
After we talked about this little story in church, I put those questions on our church sign. I’m usually the one who changes the quotes on the church sign, and I’m always looking for thought-provoking things to use. I abhor clichés, and I want something serious enough to provoke thought. Those questions certainly are thought-provoking, and I thought that anyone with an ounce of sense would understand the deeper meaning.
Imagine my surprise when several months later, my mom happened across an interesting picture on Facebook – a picture of our church sign, with my quote on it! The lady who had posted it was actually slightly offended and made some remark about not wanting to attend that church. *groan* I just don’t even…
But back to the questions. I have an answer. Do you?
My answer: I am a child of the Most High God, and I choose to be His servant. My purpose in life is to bring glory to His Name.
Everything I do in life will flow from who I am and what I am doing here. The key is to make sure that what your actions say your purpose is and what your mouth says your purpose is are one and the same.
I have another quote to share with you, this one from Viktor Frankl:
He who knows the why for his existence will be able to bear almost any how.
Who are you? What are you doing here?
Rachael Facenda says
So, I have followed many of your recipes and enjoyed reading (what I perceive) your sweet, God ~fearing, and God~loving personality through your passion to share healthy eating. The other day, a lady we both know, posted her wedding pictures and commented on a thank you to Briana Thomas Burkholder. As I glanced at the picture of the group, I thought she looks like the THM blogger….hmm, its a small world that she know Rachel as well. Anyways, it led me to read your wedding story. My husband and I have a kind of similar story (he attended BJU and I attended PCC, but we met in South Korea). Your story is so sweet and I absolutely loved reading it!
The questions you pose here about “Who are you, and what are you doing here?” Are the exact questions we share with South Korean unvbelievers who claim not to believe in God or any creator. You rresponse is spot on and I thank you for sharing and being a light in your sphere of influence. May God bless your family as you serve Him to the Glory of God.
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
Thanks, Rachael – good to hear from you! I recognize your last name for sure. 😉
Marcy says
To quote Casting Crowns…
“Not because of who I am
But because of what You’ve done.
Not because of what I’ve done
But because of who You are.”
Thanks for all you do, Brianna, my sister-in-Christ!
Cheryl Smith says
These thoughts and questions have taken on a whole new meaning for me, through the crises my family and I are enduring. So many wonderful lessons we are gleaning, as we walk through the fire of trial. Have a blessed weekend, Briana! 🙂