(Part 4 of a series)

This series explores two essential topics: God and people. When children know who God really is and what He says about who they really are, they can confidently navigate faith and life. Kids must know both the Lord and themselves intimately—not superficially.

God matters most. Learning about the Lord is more important (and more rewarding) than anything else we can do!

People matter to God. People who truly grasp what God says about their identity finally understand who they are and how to live.

The question, “What Are You Like?” follows naturally from a previous topic, “What Is God Like?” Read that article of this series here.

“What Are You Like?”

Short Answer
“You are God’s clueless creature.” Although people are greatly influenced by both “nature” and “nurture,” apart from the Lord’s help humans remain essentially clueless.

Biblical Answer

In the Bible, God often refers to His people as “sheep.” These woolly animals are generally compliant, cooperative “followers.” Sheep are also notoriously stupid. They don’t do well “on their own.” Unless a flock of sheep is fenced in, many wander off and cannot find their way back home. Sheep need someone to care for them nearly all the time. Sheep are “clueless creatures”—and so are we!

All of us like sheep have gone astray, Each of us has turned to his own way (Isaiah 53:6a).

Jesus knows that human beings, like sheep, need God’s help finding their way home. “I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me, ¹⁵even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep” (John 10:14-15).

The Lord told a touching parable about a faithful shepherd who looked everywhere for one lost lamb. When he finally found the sheep that had strayed, the shepherd told his friends and there was great rejoicing—even in heaven! (Luke 15:3-8).

Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, In His arm He will gather the lambs
And carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes (Isaiah 40:11).

So, like sheep without a shepherd, we are “clueless creatures” who need God’s direction throughout life.

Expanded Answer

To answer the question “What are you like?” we must understand two key words—nature and nurture. “Nature” has to do with our genetic makeup, our DNA. Every cell in the human body carries an individual’s hereditary blueprint. Babies are born with a fully-intact “nature” that will influence every aspect of their lives. “Nurture” is our personal story. Nurture relates to our specific upbringing and activities. Our personality is spawned by genes (nature) and it is shaped by experiences (nurture).

YOU RECEIVE A SINFUL NATURE. Creatures inherit defective DNA; you trigger great grief.

Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me. (Psalm 51:5)

Humans have a divine design; we were made for fellowship with God. But ever since Adam and Eve disobeyed God, all people are born with a “sinful nature.” Disobedience comes to us naturally because we are defective and incomplete.

People with a sinful nature are “broken.” That’s why our brains, emotions, consciences, wills, and bodies don’t always work the way we want. We seek to fill the emptiness with pleasures that cannot satisfy. Finding out what’s wrong with us helps answer the question “What are you like?”

The sinful nature affects us in many ways. Human brains generate false judgments and dark thoughts; we are mentally flawed (Romans 1:21-22). Our emotions are erratic; we harbor improper, invalid feelings (Jeremiah 17:9). Our wills are naturally selfish; we pursue personal good and pleasure (Romans 7:18-19). God gives each of us a conscience to discern right from wrong, so we are morally liable (Titus 1:15). Our bodies are also affected. We must cope with pain, disease, and decay; we are physically fragile (Psalm 103:14-16).

YOU WEAVE A PERSONAL STORY. Creatures search for significance; you forge a distinct disposition.

“Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit.” (Matthew 12:33)

“Nurture” describes our growth and development—how we are raised, our education, and environment. Unfortunately, even the best efforts of human nurture do not erase the influence and effects of our sin nature.

Our five senses (sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell) send and receive sensory data (Proverbs 2:1-5). We gravitate to individual interests and refine different skills (Exodus 35:35). We adopt family values and routines, learning from our relatives (Proverbs 1:8). We also absorb the customs of our community, conforming to the culture (Leviticus 18:30). All through life, our roles and responsibilities change; we build a reputation along the way (Proverbs 3:1-4).

YOU FACE DAILY TEMPTATIONS. Creatures encounter evil enticements; you choose right or wrong.

No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Believers realize that God’s way is truly best for us, but sometimes we seek fulfillment outside His will. We struggle to obey what we know is right. Here’s what takes place each time we encounter enticing situations.

Your Desire. Humans prefer to please self; you want what you want (James 1:13-14).
Your Dilemma. Humans hear God’s inner voice (conscience); you want what is right (Hebrews 13:18; Romans 7:21).
Your Debate. Humans ponder facts and feelings; you weigh the options (Galatians 5:17).
Your Decision. Humans turn toward, or away, from God; you make the choice (James 4:7-8).
Your Direction. Humans follow familiar pathways; you form good and bad habits (Romans 5:3-4).

So, what are you like? —“You are God’s ‘clueless creature’.” Both “nature” and “nurture” build your reputation. You prove that you belong to the Good Shepherd by how you respond to temptation. You are the grand total of all your choices.

For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls (1 Peter 2:25).

Application Ideas

Every day is a fresh start with many opportunities to make wise, selfless choices. In the morning ask the Lord to help you listen to Him all day long.
Pray that the Holy Spirit will fill your heart, mind, and body so you will walk in His steps.
The next time you face temptation, take a close look at what is really going on (see steps above) so you will be able to say “yes” to God and “no” to Satan.

Read the next article in this series: How Does God Relate to You?