SACRED OR SECULAR: WHO AM I?

WHO AM I? SACRED OR SECULAR?

The innate desire for meaning and purpose is central to every human experience. Humans have a deep-seated desire to be part of something bigger than themselves, which can give their lives purpose and meaning. A life devoid of meaning and purpose can be unfulfilling, joyless, and pointless to the person living it. Recognizing and honoring the role played by the sacred in the formation of human identity is particularly important in today's secular world. Living in a secular world can present challenges when finding meaning and purpose, as individuals may struggle to find direction and fulfillment. A feeling of emptiness and disconnection can set in when an unhealthy emphasis is placed on material success and individualism. Loss of appreciation for life's more profound aspects and estrangement from oneself and others may result when the sacred is pushed to the periphery or considered irrelevant. Nevertheless, there is still a chance that the power of the sacred can be rediscovered in everyday life.

As I was leaving elementary school for higher school, my mother always advised me to remember the son of who I am. I did not value the counsel so much then, but it became a focal issue of my life and conduct as time passed. At that time, my identity was wrapped in my pedigree. For several years, I was primarily defined by that. However, as time went by, a time came in my life when I was seeking to define myself. It was an attempt to show that I am more than my last name. I wanted to identify with my peers. There was a hunger for more than my pedigree could offer. Of course, I didn’t understand the hunger and thirst at the core of every person. Having received much love (that comes with its attendant discipline) from my parents, I wanted more by associating with my peers. Of course, I thought they had more to offer, and consequently, I became more like a chameleon. 

Chameleons are colorful lizards of the iguana suborder that can change skin color. They change skin colors in response to changes in light or temperature. In addition to changing skin color, chameleons can move their eyes independently of each other and look in two different directions at the same time. These descriptions aptly describe me as I was growing up. A few teachers and the principal found it strange to see my name on the list of noisemakers in the class. No one would ever think I could be part of such a group. There were many other things that I was involved with that my parents would never believe. I remember an evening when my mom called me and my immediate younger brother to the dining table for a discovery moment. She innocently asked if I drink alcohol and smoke cigarettes as well. I answered in the affirmative. She almost collapsed on her chair and wore an expression of deep disappointment. My younger brother was not involved in any such things but had an aggressive demeanor. My mom disbelieved that my brother was not involved in such. I had to confirm that he was not. Of course, these things were not my identity as a human being but expressed my nature.

Ever since Adam and Eve disobeyed God’s instruction in the Garden of Eden, there has been human nature that could not be tamed or instructed to do good. The heart core of the human species that was in a relationship with God became void. Since nature abhors a vacuum, that core began seeking other things to fill the void. It is instructive to know that such nature cannot please God as it is self-seeking. Such a life caters to appetites and impulses outside of God. There is a God-void seeking for connection. That is where every quest for meaning begins. Every quest that fails to direct any human being to this point of departure of the human race cannot offer any opportunity to create space for infinite possibilities or flourish. The quest for meaning must start at this point of departure. Usually, the divine is left out of our quest for meaning. David Benner rightly puts it this way:

“We do not find our true self by seeking it. Rather, we find it by seeking God.”

At the core of every person is that void. We are secular if it is empty of the divine presence, power, and influence. We are so conversant about sacred and secular work. However, sacred or secular is not first about what we do but who we are. The question to explore here is, am I sacred or secular? The fact that someone is on the pulpit, a church attendee, or serving as a missionary is not the issue. The real issue is who is at the core of our being. Cultivating a sense of meaning and purpose requires intentional effort. It entails considering our values and priorities and ensuring that our actions align with the truly important things to us. The sacred can serve as a compass or map to direct one through this process. Finding out what truly gives our lives meaning requires exploring our values. This might involve engaging in spiritual practices, seeking meaningful relationships, or pursuing activities that empower others. We can cultivate a more profound sense of fulfillment and satisfaction by considering our reasons for being here and selecting our actions with purpose.

An excerpt from The Quest for Meaning: Creating the Space for Infinite Possibilities.