Biblical Answer

The question is: Can I still have a sense of identity without my business?

A Christian Perspective on Identity

In a culture where identity is often tied to our profession, possessions, and social media presence, it's natural to wonder if we can still have a sense of identity without our business. From a Christian perspective, our identity is not defined by external factors, but rather by our relationship with God and our commitment to Him. As Paul writes in Galatians 2:20, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Our identity is not something we find in external sources, but rather it is rooted in our faith and our commitment to Christ.

This understanding of identity is rooted in the biblical concept of "ipse identity," which refers to our inner, unchanging nature. As the philosopher Paul Ricœur describes it, our ipse identity is a "constancy over time" that consists of our commitments, roles, and activities. However, our ipse identity is not something that can be bought or sold, but rather it is a reflection of our inner character and our relationship with God. In contrast, our "doxa" identity, which is our external persona, can change over time and is influenced by external factors. But our ipse identity remains constant, even in the midst of change and uncertainty.

In light of this, we can see that our sense of identity is not dependent on our business or any external factor. Our identity is rooted in our faith and our commitment to Christ, and this identity remains constant even in the midst of change and uncertainty. As Christians, we are called to live out our faith in every aspect of our lives, including our business and professional pursuits. However, our sense of identity is not defined by these external factors, but rather by our relationship with God and our commitment to Him. By focusing on our inner character and our relationship with God, we can maintain a sense of identity that is not tied to external factors, but rather is rooted in our faith and our commitment to Christ.