Our Identity

We were created in God’s image; in His image we were made male and female. Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden before the fall, are a picture of perfect harmony and connection between God and humanity. Before the fall, Adam and Eve lived in perfect obedience to God's will, and they enjoyed the fullness of His presence and love. Their union was a state of being fully known and fully loved by God. Adam and Eve were able to be

completely authentic and vulnerable in their relationship with God, without any need to hide or cover up their true selves. This kind of deep intimacy and connection is what we were all created to experience. This union before the fall is a state of being fully alive and fully connected to our true identities. Adam and Eve were able to live in complete authenticity and freedom before the fall, without any

need to pose or hide behind false selves. In this state of perfect harmony with God, they were able to fully embrace their identities as beloved children of God.

The fall of man was as a catastrophic event that shattered the intimate union between God and humanity. The fall brought sin and brokenness into the world, resulting in a deep sense of separation between humanity and God. As a result of the fall, humanity lost its sense of true identity, which had been rooted in a vibrant and life-giving relationship with God.

Due to the fall of man and this separation, men often feel a deep need to pose or hide behind false selves. The "fig leaf" is a metaphor to describe the ways in which men try to cover up their brokenness and hide their true selves from the world. This false self is often characterized by shame, fear, and a desperate need for control. Men often feel pressure to project an image of strength and competence, even if that image does not align with their true selves.

Our ability to delay gratification and demonstrate restraint is severely underdeveloped in a world where we are routinely primed and prompted to do what I want when I want and how I want. It turns out we are out of conscious touch with our deepest longings, of course we say we desire good relationship, well-paying jobs, Comfortable homes, and opportunities to enjoy life in the pursuit of happiness but privately our desire for more goods more ease and more convenience, more sex and pleasure, whatever we can addictively turn to that we believe will relieve us from the stress of modern life, has pinned us to the ground. Those desires revealed their darker side when they morph into predatory behavior, greed, consumption and contempt all of which not only ruin our personal lives but also poison our public lives as well.

This false self creates a lack of connection, leading to feelings of isolation and detachment from society. Many men struggle with fear and insecurity, preventing them from pursuing their dreams and finding a sense of purpose. However, it is possible to overcome this false self and find true identity through a deep relationship with Jesus Christ.

The only way to overcome this false self is to return to our original union with God. Union can only be restored through a deep and intentional relationship with Jesus Christ, who came to reconcile us to God and restore our true identities. Men need to embrace vulnerability and authenticity as they seek to shed their false selves and live in alignment with their true selves, as God intended.

The fall, brought sin and brokenness into the world, disrupted this union and caused a separation between humanity and God. However, through faith and spiritual practices such as prayer, worship, and contemplation, we can begin to restore this union and experience the fullness of God's love and presence once again.

Breaking free from the false self requires developing a deep relationship with Jesus Christ. This requires shedding the shame and guilt associated with the false self and embracing vulnerability and authenticity. Only then can men live in alignment with their true selves as

intended by God. It is through recognizing our disobedience and rebellion against God and turning to Jesus as our savior and Lord that we can restore our true identities and experience a meaningful relationship with God.

It's important for men to understand that they are not alone in this struggle and to seek out Christian community to support and encourage them. By being vulnerable and authentic with one another, we can break down the walls of isolation and experience true connection with others and with God.