The Vertical Self: How Biblical Faith Can Help Us Discover Who We Are in an Age of Self Obsession

In the twenty-first century, identity has become fluid and interchangeable, shaped by imagery and circumstance rather than a stable sense of self. The Bible offers a different approach to understanding who we are. According to this perspective, the path to discovering our true identity is through holiness. This is not a path reserved for otherworldly saints, but rather one grounded in earthly, authentic living. It does not require rejecting the world or suppressing desires. Instead, it involves placing your hopes, dreams, brokenness, desires, and humanity under the Lordship of Christ. Through this practice, we discover not only a new way to live out our faith, but also a way of being truly human.