The never-ending experiment… (pt 2)

Updated in July to walk with you further.

Let's get straight to it: are you on the path of life or the path of destruction?

The path you’re on is determined by the foundation in which your identity is rooted. The information we consume from this foundation holds our beliefs, values, and understanding of ourselves. The stability of our identity and the direction of our lives depend on the integrity of this foundation. If the foundation is flawed, our perception of reality and our decisions will be flawed as well.

When examining identity, there are two distinct parts: the surface identity and the core identity. Your surface identity is external. It includes your physical appearance, social roles, and behavior. Your core identity is internal. It gives you a sense of purpose and self. No matter the life stage or age, many are still searching for a sense of identity and purpose. It is at your core that “who you are” is found.

Because your core identity guides your decisions, the foundation matters! Your core identity is rooted in one of two foundations: one that is ever-changing or one that is unchanging.

An identity rooted in the ever-changing foundation rests on shaky ground that is the world. It is a constant stream of information, trends, and opinions. When we allow the world to define our core identity, we seek purpose and completion in temporary things like a job title, a relationship, or even our feelings. Notice that these things are temporary and only provide temporary fulfillment. Nevertheless, the world gives us labels and roles based on various attributes and social expectations that influence how we see ourselves within society. The world tells us who we are, and within this ever-changing foundation, it’s constant external input contributes to the fluctuating nature of our identity. When the core rests on the shaky foundation of the world, it’s impossible to ever feel complete or at ease because you’re chasing something that is fleeting and unreliable. You can achieve all the success, wealth, and external validation the world has to offer, but this won’t make you secure in your identity.

Now, this is widely known information, yet despite this common understanding, we continue to turn to the world to define us, dictate our behavior, and set our life’s standards. In other words, in a world of which the information is always changing, we rely on it for answers about ourselves.

This worldly foundation is plastered with lies disguised as truth. Its sole purpose is to deceive you, blocking you from seeing what's real through confusion and manipulation. It is temporary and keeps you trapped in unhealthy cycles, leading you down the path of destruction.

Your core identity shouldn't be rooted in a foundation that is unstable. It needs to be rooted in a solid, unshakable foundation. This foundation has been in existence since the beginning. It’s built on righteousness and truth. It’s the “bread of life” and “living water” that sustains you, leading you to the path of life.

Morgan