What Defines Us?

What defines us?  What distinguishes us from everyone else on the planet? 

Obviously, we could say that our DNA gives each of us a distinct set of characteristics, which not only serve as a representation of our ancestry, but also a unique combination of those inherited traits and characteristics. 

But that only speaks of what is inherited.  It is an acknowledgement of our heritage.  But we must also admit that our genetic distinctions do not represent any of the truly substantive traits by which we are known.

You see, genetics do not reflect a person’s character – their loyalty or disloyalty, love or hatred, generosity or selfishness, diligence or laziness, concern or apathy.

The truly meaningful and substantive characteristics which distinguish us from everyone else, are there because we chose them.  We made a decision to be a certain kind of person, and pursued that vision, making choices throughout our life, which have led us to where and who we are today.

Unfortunately, society tends to often make assumptions as to who we are, based on what we have. 

And, as one who has taught, and continues to teach that God truly does want us to prosper, I am very much aware of the shallow, carnal tendency within our human nature, to quantify someone’s life by their net worth.  And, because I am aware of this tendency, I may be more cautious than others, in this regard. 

We should all remember that it is not only possible, but common, for someone to have wealth, and lack character.  In fact, in many cases, wealth has been attained through unethical and deceptive means. 

The danger is that, knowing this, some tend to equate wealth with evil, and conversely, to attribute traits of honesty and goodness to those in poverty.

In reality, poverty is often the result of laziness, lethargy and apathy.  And wealth is often the product of diligence, perseverance and hard work, all of which are admirable qualities, encouraged even by God. 

We err when we categorize people by any other set of qualities than those espoused by God, in His word. 

Basically, wealth is neither noble, nor evil.  And, conversely, poverty is neither Godly nor wicked.

Wealth is wealth and poverty is poverty.  Don’t try to assign other values to them, which are not consistent. 

By Mark Gorman - See Mark’s Teachings on Spiritual Growth