NOW WHAT?

Hopefully, by now, you have a better idea of the factors that shape your identity - and your status in each ofthose areas.
 
But maybe you're wondering, "So . . . what do I do next?"         
 
First, notice where you are.
 
We already talked about the fact that no status is better than any other - and that's true! You don't have to pretend to be something you're not or try to rush the process of forming your identity. Your journey discovering your identity is as unique and distinct as your identity itself.
 
And second, keep exploring. Chances are, you are already exploring your identity in at least one way. You're asking questions, trying new things, and testing different ways of thinking, living, believing, and behaving.
 
Keep doing that. That's exactly what God designed you to do at this stage of your life!

Especially . . .
 
KEEP EXPLORING:
1. YOUR FAITH
2. YOUR RELATIONSHIPS
3. YOUR FUTURE

    KEEP EXPLORING

YOUR FAITH

Most people "inherit" faith from their families. They believe what they believe because the people who raised them or love them believe it. And that's great! But . . . there comes a time when everyone needs to ask . . .
 
"DO I BELIEVE BECAUSE OTHER PEOPLE BELIEVE IT? OR BECAUSE I REALLY BELIEVE IT?"
 
That might be a hard question to answer right now, but the only way to decide what you believe is to explore. Whether we're talking about God, or Jesus, or the Bible, or a particular belief some people disagree about,
 
"exploring" means . . .
 
asking hard questions.

having honest conversations.

being willing to learn.
being willing to admit you were wrong.
being curious about people who think or believe differently than you.
learning to support, explain, or defend what you believe.
 
So when it comes to your faith . . .

KEEP EXPLORING

YOUR RELATIONSHIPS

Our relationships with other people impact our identities in a big way. Have you ever hung out with someone for a while and then accidentally started talking like them? Or think about your favorite band, or hobby, or show - did someone you admire introduce you to it?

When we surround ourselves with people we want to be like, their influence can help us become a little bit more like them.

But our identities can be shaped in a positive way even by the relationships that don't go according to plan. Think about a relationship that ended, or someone you just didn't connect with, or a person who hurt you, or a friendship that fizzled out. All of those interactions help us figure out who we are (and who we're not), even if those experiences were difficult, awkward, or painful at the time.

Exploring different kinds of friendships and connections with different kinds of people is a natural (and really important) part of figuring out who you are. So when it comes to your relationships . . .

KEEP EXPLORING
YOUR FUTURE

Your future job, career, or other contribution to the world, is the third thing that is so important for you to keep exploring right now. It doesn't mean you need to figure out exactly what you will be or do for the rest of your life. It just means this is the time to start thinking about (and moving toward) your future.
 
What might God have uniquely designed or prepared you to do or achieve? How can you use your skills, passions, and values to make a difference in the world?
 
In some ways, this has to do with your future jobs or careers, but that's not the whole picture. Your sources of income don't define your identity or purpose. What matters here isn't how you get a paycheck, but how you use what you've been given by God to make a difference.
 
If that sounds like something you want to be a part of, you can  start by exploring now. Learn about different fields. Train under a mentor. Get some experience. Start exploring! It's how you'll figure out who you want to someday become (and who you don't). So when it comes to your future job, career, or  contribution to the world . . .

We're almost done, but first - here's a reminder.

YOU ARE DISTINCT.
UNIQUE. ORIGINAL. ONE-OF-A-KIND.

There never has been, and never will be, anyone just like you. You were created by God to be distinct. But you were also created to belong.

You were created to connect with people and be in community. In fact, it's only in community with other people that you can really discover who you are (and who you're not).

Some people make the mistake of wanting so badly to belong that they're afraid to be distinct. They choose to blend in and never take the time to discover how God made         them unique.

But here's the good news: you can be distinct and also belong. That's how God designed it.

Need evidence?

Try searching the Bible on your own, with a group, or with a mentor, and see what you can find.

You are already well on your way to discovering who you are (and who you're not). You were on your way before you ever started this challenge - but hopefully it's helped you take a few more steps on your distinct journey.
 
On that journey, you still have a lot to explore. Your faith has a lot of room to grow, change, and be tested. So do your relationships. And so do your thoughts about your future.
 
And as you continue exploring those things that make you distinct, remember . . .

 
JESUS IS DISTINCT. That matters because he's your  Creator. He made you. He loves you. He designed you. There's no one like him.
 
GOD MADE YOU DISTINCT. Your personality. Your skills and abilities. Your passions and interests. Your values. Your roles in your relationships. Your goals for your future. Your faith. They're all distinct. No one is  just like you - and that's a good thing.
 
WE CAN ALL SERVE IN DISTINCT WAYS. The things that make you distinct can be used to make a difference in the world around you. So how will you use what's unique about you to love God and love others in unique ways?
 
WE CAN CELEBRATE OUR DISTINCTIONS. So do that! Tell God thank you for the unique ways you've been created. Notice the ways you're different from other     people - and celebrate them. Then do that for others.
 
You are beautifully, carefully, and wonderfully made. As you continue discovering who you are, stay close to the God who  created you. The best answers to the question "Who am I?" are always found with Jesus.