Part 2 looks at what matters most to each of us specifically, especially from a higher perspective.

This is informed a lot by our identity and design.

God is very specific about each of us. He did not make a mistake with you. There is no one that is like you. There is only one version of you.

What matters most to us as informed by our design and identity can be explained by way of two examples, e.g. a farmer and an artist.

Because design and identity are so important in this, let's start looking at that here, but design and identity will be further explored in subsequent conversations. It is more important than your job, profession or vocation.

God's design is blueprint, almost like DNA. How do we know what that is?

1. Look at the meaning of your name.

2. What do others say about you but be careful to build your identity on what others say. It has to be based on what God says first and foremost.

3. Do you have verses from scripture that you received at your baptism, coming of age, confirmation or marriage for example and what do they say about your design?

4. Have you read any passage in the Bible that just "spoke to you"?

5. Do you have any verses from the Bible that someone else gave you and that relate to your design?

Discernment in this process is very important, so we do not become deceived. Discernment is worthy of a whole conversation on its own, but a place to start is Heb. 4:12. Compare this to how one recognizes a counterfeit banknote, which is by being familiar with the real thing.

(By the way, write these things down that you know about yourself.)

God cares about you and has your best interest at heart. (Matt. 6:25-34, specifically verse 30 and 32; Luk. 12:7; Ps. 139, specifically verses 2-4, 16, 17; Matt. 7:11)

You are God's workmanship (Eph. 2:10). He knows everything about us intricately, intimately and in every detail, but do we listen and are we hearing what He says?

God is all powerful and nothing is impossible for Him (Luk. 1:37; Jer. 32:17).

We can furthermore approach this discovery of who we are and what most to each of us in the following way:

• Have you ever asked God what He says about you? What does He say?

• Do you have a Biblical name that you associate with or have been called by? Names are very important to God.

• Have you had any dreams or visions that you know were about your identity?

• Look for anything else that helps you see yourself as God sees you. It has to start and end with what God says. God can use anything to speak to you, especially because our creativity is aligned with who God is.

• Have you heard the voice of God directly, whispering to you like Elijah on the mountain for example?

• Has an angel spoken to you? Have you seen angels?

• What do you remember from childhood or things that your parents, siblings or best friend have said to you that just stood out for you about yourself?

• What are the things that stir something deep inside you that you know somehow are linked to who you are?

• Are there specific characters in books, plays or movies that speak to you or you identify with? Why?

(It is important to record these things and write them, for example in a journal or a diary. As you increase in knowledge and understanding of who you are and your design, it becomes easier to see how new insight or revelation fits with what you know of yourself.)

Some further thoughts:

• How does what matters to you most, relate to the legacy that you want to leave behind? Have you even considered leaving behind a legacy?

• Does it honour those who have gone before you and on whose shoulders you now stand?

• Can you say that what matters most to you is noble, true and good? Philippians 4) Would others agree?

• Does it fit with making the world a better place? Are you making the world a better place? And is this higher perspective of what matters to you related to this or not?

• Is it constructive or destructive?

• How much of what matters most to you is only about you and comes from selfishness and egotistical interest? How much are you concerned with the well-being of others, the world around you and the greater good?

• Does what matter most to you inspire you and others?

Is the person that God sees actually the person that you are and how does this influence what matters most to you?