Watching a baby discover their reflection is a fascinating sight: the wonder in their eyes, the quick steps as they try to catch their reflection off guard, the joy they experience as they explore the extremes of this newfound power. Most of us can't recall that far back, and for those who can, it often leads to a lighthearted jest.

"Who am I?" This is a question we've all pondered, yet one that remains unanswered for many in our current generation. Our human nature inherently craves a definition of self. When this definition is absent, a default one is assumed. This default persona may be a blend of influences from parents, media, and friends. This is why it is of utmost importance to know ourselves, as it enables us to define our purpose.

Understanding ourselves allows us to produce work that is unique to our self and stands out. An artist who operates from an assimilated persona may struggle to create original content; their work may blend seamlessly into the sea of existing content.

In Genesis chapters 1 through 3, we witness the fall of Adam, commonly known as the doctrine of the fall or the fall of man. It's essential to note that we are born into a world already tainted by sin. But how does this inherent state affect our psyche? Let's explore.

We have three psychic apparatus in our psychological makeup: the id, residing in the unconscious; the ego, present in our conscious and preconscious; and the superego, existing in all three. From birth, our innate desire is to have what we want, when we want it, and how we want it. As we age, this process becomes more complex, involving careers, relationships, and finances. The id constantly urges us to fulfill our desires, often with a sense of urgency, regardless of their realism or mundanity.

On the contrary, the superego acts as the morally correct part of our personality, often judgmental. The ego, meanwhile, shapes our sense of self and our ability to interact with the outside world, tethered to our awareness and perception of reality. It serves as a mediator between the id and the superego, making decisions based on this constant internal tug-of-war. However, this delicate balance is disrupted by our inherent sinfulness, as described in Genesis.

Without a moral standard, our psyche operates in a state of moral corruption, where the id's desires can supersede ethical considerations. We've seen the consequences of this moral decay in shocking songs and art pieces, devoid of eternal joy and purpose. Ephesians 2:1-3 reminds us of our innate state, dead in trespasses and sins, but through God's love and grace, we are made alive with Christ (Ephesians 2:4-5).

As artists, we must recognize our inability to save ourselves and acknowledge the futility of seeking satisfaction in our own abilities. Only through God's grace can we find true purpose and fulfillment in our artistic endeavors.

The uniqueness of our identities extends beyond our fingerprints; it's a signature woven into the fabric of our work, whether it be songs, poetry, or any form of artistic expression. This inherent uniqueness, bestowed upon us by God, sets the stage for the profound impact we can make through our art. However, establishing oneself as an artist can be a daunting task, especially if one hasn't fully grasped the totality of their identity.

In the Bible, musicians are portrayed as vital conduits of divine expression, capable of channeling the depths of human emotion and spirituality. From the Psalms of David to the hymns sung in praise, music has played a central role in the worship and expression of faith throughout history. As mankind is described in the Bible, musicians are uniquely positioned to tap into the depths of the human soul, offering solace, inspiration, and reflection through their melodies and lyrics.

"Who am I?" Now, we can attempt to answer this question. Our personal identities differ from one another, but they share a common thread—that is, God. Only He can reveal who we truly are. However, with that in mind, we can begin forming our identity knowing that we, as artists, are servants of God, stewards entrusted with facilitating worship through song, poetry, art, and media. We must understand the vital nature of what we do; our pieces of art easily affect the human soul. Hence, the importance of our work being rooted in Biblical morality.