Who am I?

We introduce ourselves several hundred times over the course of our lives.  The words change.  We’re formal and titular in our professional settings, casual and easy-going with family and those we hope become our friends. Perhaps we are introduced to crowds of people who have come to hear us give presentations as subject matter experts. We sit to the side as the moderator introduces Doctor So-and-So who comes to us today from the University of Experience and who has authored so many books and papers; the sum of a life brought down to a minute.

In academia this is commonplace. 

When meeting another professor, it isn’t uncommon to have introductions narrowed down to name, department, and the ever critical “what is your research?” One human, reduced to three questions.  Will you be accepted in this circle or not? 

For the Christian academic, this poses a quandary.

As Christian professors, we know we are so much more than these things.  Our entire reason for being comes from inconceivable grace and unconditional love. These gifts supersede any worldly given title. As such, as Christian academics, we know we are not to set our sights on the pursuit of titles.  Colossians 3: 1-2 admonishes us to set our hearts on things above, where Christ is seated, at the right hand of God;  to set our minds on things above, not on earthly things.

So, who are we, really? Are we professors in departments teaching lectures and doing research? Or are we more than that – being blessed by God with wonderful gifts to teach our students and to advance our fields because of His will?

We have so many opportunities as Christian academics to live out “who” we are by showing “how” we are living to others.  In 1 John 2:6, we are told: “whoever says he abides in Him ought to walk in the same way in which He walked.” This is our calling, to demonstrate the love of Christ by serving our colleagues and students.  While many Christian academics are unable to openly profess their faith verbally, it is still possible to say a lot about who we are by profoundly caring and giving.

Growing up in rural Indiana, it was easy to make quick and lasting connections to others.  While academic connections aren’t as easy to make as those drawn out of the necessities of barn raisings; they are just as important.  We sit at the table. We make offerings of community and belonging.  We give of ourselves as servants and show the love of Christ to our colleagues and students who are our neighbors.  This is “who” we really are!