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Who Am I: Discovering Our True Identity With Christ

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Praying and Reading the Bible

Praying and Reading the Bible l Photo by Patrick Fore on Unsplash

Sometimes, it is hard for us to figure out who we are in the grand scheme of things, where we fit, why we came to be, or what our role is in this world. Because of this, we strive to discover who we are, embrace our human nature wisdom for self-discovery, and find our true identity with Christ to understand who we are and why we do certain things.

How do we discover our true identity with Christ?

Read the Bible

Before we try to understand ourselves, we must try to understand our purpose in this world, and we can get that through reading the scriptures. Understanding our true identity with Christ means that reading the Bible is vital because it is there that we learn about God’s works and learn to trust in God’s plan. The Bible is a reminder of how God sees us and how he wants us to live our lives. Remember that at the end of the day, he is the one who teaches you the most fundamental moral values that we uphold to make a positive influence in our world.

Prayers are fundamental to building a relationship with God, allowing you to connect with him.  It is a way to create a personal connection by sharing our thoughts, experiences, and emotions like the frustrations we feel as humans. More than that, prayer is also a form of personal reflection where we can understand ourselves and recognize all that God has given us.  Through prayer and self-reflection, we remember that we are blessed and loved as children of God and can do great things with him.

Know What Your Passion Is

We won’t always know our passion in one glance or try, but we will never know if it makes us happy until we try something. This happiness is a big part of understanding what we are passionate about.  Finding something we are passionate about is essential because this is something that drives us to do what we want while keeping us happy.

Many of us can do this by experimenting.  The things that we love and are passionate about do not always come to us naturally, and they are things that we find out through the experiences of others or incidentally. Because of this, even as children, we start to find things that we enjoy or try to think about what occupation will make us happy in the future.  This is somewhat the first stepping stone to seeing what we are passionate about and later incorporating it into ourselves to strengthen our true identity with Christ.

Incorporate Your Passion Into the Day-to-Day

Remember that what we are passionate about does not necessarily have to relate directly to Christ. Often, we have the misconception that to find ourselves and reflect properly, we must be or take on jobs related to Christ because that is how we can find true fulfillment – being pastors, priests, or nuns.

However, we must remember that God is part of our lives today. We must see people as Jesus Christ through our words and actions. What we are passionate about does not necessarily have to relate to God because we can incorporate his values and teachings into our daily activities, tasks, and the way that we treat others.

For example, let’s say that you love business. Just because this is not something related to the ministries or directly preaching God’s values, we will never truly feel fulfilled with ourselves, happy, or passionate.  We can still feel these things; it’s just that we can model God’s teachings in our actions. To specify in this example, being an honest businessman who does not cheat, pays their taxes religiously, and compensates their workers a reasonable living wage. This means that we can live our passion while being able to stay true to our true identity with Christ as a Christian who models the Lord’s values in their daily actions.

Why do we need to discover who we are in Christ?

Man Praying On A Field

Man Praying On A Field l Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

In today’s world, where negativity breeds to the point that sometimes we no longer love each other, our foundation in Christ will ultimately and significantly impact our lives, thoughts, and behaviors. When our faith is deeply rooted in Him, everything else we do in life is meaningfully shaped.

Having a foundation in Christ will impact the remainder of your life because when we let Christ direct our thoughts and deeds, His teachings become the prism through which we see the world. We now base our decisions on the values of justice, forgiveness, compassion, and love rather than just our desires or social pressures.

We begin to mirror Christ’s character more thoroughly when we are rooted in Him and find our true identity with Christ.  We make decisions that honor Him and help others when our ideas align with His reality.  His love acting through us is manifested in our deeds.

When we fully trust in Christ, our ideas and actions are transformed. This allows us to impact the world positively and live out our beliefs authentically. Do you want to embrace the raw authenticity of our being? Check out Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature By Chet Shupe!

 

 

Why Modern Society Fears Death: Facing the Inevitable

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Modern society fears death because it feels like an hourglass, each grain of sand slipping away, reminding us that time is running out.| Photo by Aron Visuals on Unsplash

Let’s be honest—death is scary. No one likes to think about it, yet it’s something we all have to face eventually. It’s inevitable. Modern society fears death more than ever, going to great lengths to delay, ignore, or even deny it. Unlike past generations, who openly accepted death as a natural part of life, today’s world treats it like an enemy to be defeated. But why is that? What makes death so terrifying in modern times? Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature by Chet Shupe touches on a topic revolving around death and how humans evolve through time. It can help you navigate the interesting yet complex dynamics of humans.

5 Reasons Why Modern Society Fears Death

1. The Uncertainty of the Afterlife

What happens after we die? That’s the million-dollar question. In the past, religion provided a comforting answer—heaven, reincarnation, or some kind of spiritual journey. But today, with science leading the conversation, many people are left wondering if death is just… nothing. And that’s a terrifying thought. Modern society fears death because there’s no clear answer, no guarantee of what comes next. The unknown is scary, and without certainty, fear takes over. Some try to find comfort in spirituality, while others avoid thinking about it altogether. But deep down, the fear of what awaits—or doesn’t—remains.

2. The Need for Control

Let’s face it—we like to be in control. With this matter, it’s the other way around. The loss of control scares people. We plan our careers, our relationships, even our weekend schedules. But death? That’s one thing we can’t plan or control. And that’s unsettling. Modern society fears death because it’s unpredictable and inevitable, no matter how hard we try to avoid it. We turn to advanced medicine, strict diets, and endless health trends, all in an attempt to extend life. But deep down, we know the truth—death will come eventually, and that lack of control is hard to accept. This fear leads people to chase longevity, even though immortality remains impossible.

 

3. The Fear of Pain and Suffering

It’s not just death itself that scares people—it’s how they might die. No one wants to suffer. Modern society fears death because we’ve seen the reality of long, painful illnesses, hospital stays, and dependence on machines. With people living longer but not necessarily healthier, the thought of a slow, painful decline can be just as terrifying as death itself. This fear fuels discussions about euthanasia, quality of life, and how we can make dying a more dignified experience. Many people hope for a peaceful, painless passing, but since we don’t get to choose, the fear of suffering lingers.

4. The Pressure to “Live Fully”

“Live your best life!” “Make every moment count!” Sound familiar? Society constantly pushes us to achieve, experience, and leave a legacy. Modern society fears death because it feels like a deadline—one that comes too soon for many. Social media doesn’t help, constantly reminding us of other people’s successes, travels, and bucket lists. The pressure to “make life count” can be overwhelming, leaving many wondering, “Have I done enough?” Instead of appreciating the present, we get caught up in the fear of running out of time. This leads to anxiety rather than fulfillment, making death seem even more tragic.

 

Traveling to their dream places is one of the best ways to live fully.
Traveling to their dream places is one of the best ways to live fully. | Photo by Ong Cheng Zheng on Unsplash

5. Death is No Longer a Part of Daily Life

Think about it—how often do we actually witness death? In the past, people saw it firsthand in their homes and communities. Now, it happens behind closed doors, in hospitals and funeral homes, far removed from daily life. Modern society fears death because it’s become distant, almost unreal. We don’t talk about it, we don’t see it, and when we do, it feels shocking. By keeping death hidden, we’ve made it even scarier, turning it into something unknown rather than a natural part of life. Without exposure, people struggle to process death, making it harder to accept when it happens.

Changing the Way We See Death

It’s clear that modern society fears death for many reasons—uncertainty, lack of control, pain, pressure, and how disconnected we are from it. These fears shape how we live, influencing everything from our daily choices to our long-term goals. But the more we avoid talking about death, the more powerful that fear becomes.

Maybe the key isn’t avoiding death but learning to accept it. Instead of fearing the inevitable, we can focus on making the most of the time we have. Yes, modern society fears death, but perhaps by embracing it as a natural part of life, we can truly start living. Do you want to know more about this kind of topic or its likes? Grab a copy of Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature by Chet Shupe. Get it now by clicking here!

 

Why We’re Afraid of Change: How Fear Shapes Our Lives

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Dwelling in the dark is one the reasons why we’re afraid of change. | Photo by Ross Findon on Unsplash

Change is a natural part of life, yet many of us feel an overwhelming fear of it. This fear often seems irrational, but its roots lie in the unrecognized flaw of evolution. Our ancestors survived by sticking to what was familiar—familiar places, routines, and social structures. The unrecognized flaw of evolution was that our brains developed to prioritize certainty over uncertainty. In uncertain situations where there was potential danger, our ancestors avoided risk. After all, it’s a way to survive.

Today, that same instinct often keeps us from embracing change. We fear the unknown and cling to what feels safe, even when it no longer serves us. Understanding why we’re afraid of change is essential for personal growth and progress.

Chet Shupe’s Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature gives us thought-provoking that could help us better understand human nature, which basically includes our adaptability to changes.

Understanding Why We’re Afraid of Change

The Role of Evolutionary Instincts

Our fear of change is deeply tied to evolution. Our ancestors survived by sticking to what they knew—familiar routines and environments. They faced risks in unfamiliar or uncertain situations, so their brains developed mechanisms to avoid anything unpredictable. Human nature has changed, but not entirely in this aspect.

Today, this instinct still influences our reactions. This is something that we inherit from them. We perceive uncertainty as a threat. It is because, in most cases, uncertainty is synonymous with anxiety and discomfort. This made humans resistant to change. Understanding why we’re afraid of change is a significant step in helping us recognize why we often struggle to embrace new experiences. This evolutionary tendency to seek safety in the known often holds us back from growth and progress, even when change could lead to better outcomes.

Fear of the Unknown and Loss of Control

“The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown” — H.P. Lovecraft.


The adage suggests that fear of the unknown has been there since time immemorial, stating it was the oldest.  A big part of our fear of change comes from the fear of the unknown. Humans have a natural need for control, and why we’re afraid of change disrupts that control. When we face something unfamiliar, our brains tend to fill in the gaps with worst-case scenarios. As a result, anxiety and uncertainty arise. We worry about what we can’t predict, leading to feelings of vulnerability and powerlessness.

Whether it’s a career shift, relocation, or personal growth and transformation, the unknown feels overwhelming. But that’s the way it is supposed to make us feel. Experiencing or trying things for the very first time is uncomfortable and scary. But these very feelings make us cling to what’s familiar, even when it no longer serves us better.

This desire for certainty keeps us stuck, as stepping into the unknown feels far riskier than staying with what’s known. Understanding this fear helps us recognize the patterns that hold us back and encourages us to embrace uncertainty with greater confidence.

Psychological and Social Conditioning

Another factor of our fears is internal (psychological) and external (social conditioning). In other words, this type of fear can be “you vs. you” or “you vs. the society.” We become fearful to embrace change because of the limitations we have on ourselves. We want to take risks, but we don’t give even the benefit of the doubt. On the other hand, we fear change because, over time, we are shaped by the messages we receive from society. We adhere to the societal norms, traditions, and predictability of things because society tells us that it is safer. Social structures and media frequently portray change as risky and uncertain, amplifying the belief that stepping into the unknown is dangerous.

These narratives contribute to why we’re afraid of change—we fear failure, judgment, and rejection. This creates a cycle of resistance, where we avoid growth out of fear of what’s uncertain. Understanding why we’re afraid of change empowers us to challenge these societal beliefs and embrace new opportunities, ultimately leading to personal growth and transformation.

They say, “When it feels scary to jump, that is exactly when you jump.” But when is the right to jump? How will you know the best time to take risks and accept change fully? Do you want to know more about the dynamics of human nature? Grab a copy of Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature by Chet Shupe. Get it here! 

Emotion – The Key to Living in a Truly Real World

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Photo by stem.T4L

Some of us have probably heard it many times before: Don’t believe anything you read on social media.

This isn’t just about misinformation like fake news. This is about everything from how pictures on Instagram are prettified and edited to the way various social media ‘influencers’ have been caught up in fraud.

Our world is drowning further in more of that fakery with many of us losing ourselves to virtual realities rather than the reality right in front of us.

Those who have the human nature wisdom for self-discovery are quick to pick up on this and be wary. It’s really sad to see the younger generation make jokes about ‘touching grass’ even as their elders implore them to reconnect with the feeling of real, green grass at their feet.

This isn’t a problem of gaps between generations. It’s a much older problem created by civilization itself. Civilization has long created this virtual world of overly rationalized structures at the expense of living in a truly real world.

A truly real world is an emotional one in tune with nature itself.

Emotions Are The Truer Part of Human Experience

As a social species, human beings are at their most natural when they are in tune with their emotions rather than their intellect.

It was our emotions that allowed us to live without any need of a civic system. By focusing on what feels good rather than detached logic, our ancestors needed only the Law of Life to establish thriving communities that rewarded everyone with love rather than spiritually empty materialism.

Our emotions also keep us aware of our interdependence on others rather than on soulless systems that encourage loneliness and construct human beings as purely self-interested beings.

Rationality Draws Attention to Structures, Not People

Photo by Single.Earth

The false reality presented by civilization is also very evident in the sciences. Many praise the advances and technologies they have brought about but ignore the steep price we’ve paid for them. We have reduced nature into mere quantities to be exploited. Our so-called ‘best minds’ reduce the universe into a dull, joyless husk comprised of models and numbers.

It is only through emotion that we start living in a truly real world where such things hardly scratch the surface of truth. Emotion and spirit are what let us reconnect with nature and realize that nature is not ours to control.

We seek new subatomic particles to validate current theories, yet hardly any of those bring us closer to ending human suffering or ensuring our species’ survival. All they present are structures and constructs, not the real, human souls living in them and existing at the present moment.

The wisdom of true human nature is living in a truly real world where we realize that the answers we seek are already in front of us. Why waste so much effort trying to artificially and intellectually replicate something nature has already provided? So far, all that seems to promise is to remind us of all of what we are already supposed to know!

A Truly Real World is Natural and Emotional

Photo by Catherine Kay Greenup

Many proclaim to know the difference between reality and some virtual simulation of it, but do they really? If their version of reality is still comprised of systems and structures that deny emotions, force us to suppress them and de-naturalize our definition of success, then that version is just as artificial.

Living in a truly real world can certainly start by disconnecting from the false ones on social media and the many screens dominating our lives. However, there is more work to be done! We need to reconnect with the emotions that should have been the true source of our wisdom. We need to stop obsessing with the limited structures of language and the constant pursuit of foresight. It is time to live in the real world that is already with us at the present moment, with what remnants of nature we still have.

If you want to learn more about the wisdom that comes with reconnecting with emotions and the natural world around you, then feel free to also check out Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature on Amazon.