Article August 3, 2020 Issue

Discover your true heritage

Tori Dell

Many people today are interested in learning more about their ancestry. In fact, a study by MIT Technology Review reported that by the start of 2019 over 26 million people had taken DNA tests from one of four major consumer genetic companies. Results from these tests can show people their probable ancestry and provide information about their expected health and fitness. As I’ve noticed this trend, I’ve asked myself: What really makes up our identity?

A helpful starting point can be to consider this question from the biblical prophet Malachi: “Have we not all one father? hath not one God created us?” (Malachi 2:10). Our unity with one another is based on the fact that the real identity of each of us is God’s child. This understanding provides us with an expanded sense of family and shows how we can relate to each other harmoniously. And it connects us through a sense of unity with all humanity.

Understanding our spiritual identity enables us to see how we reflect God’s goodness in countless unique ways.