Identity

Identity Before Activity

Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

What’s up y’all?

I have learned something over the years that still resets me every time. Before I ever preach a sermon, teach a class, lead a meeting, or write a devotional like this, God already knows who I am. My identity is not earned. It is received. Paul reminds us we are God’s handiwork. Not after we perform. Not after we accomplish something impressive. Right now.

Early in ministry I struggled with this. I thought my value rose and fell with the applause or the quiet. Busy seasons made me feel important. Slow seasons made me feel insecure. I lived like identity was something I had to earn through activity. If the schedule was full, I felt worthy. If my inbox was quiet, I felt forgotten.

Over time, the Spirit kept pulling me back to this truth. I am created in Christ Jesus first. That is who I am. Only after identity comes the work prepared for me. In what I now call the Lead From Wholeness journey, identity always comes before assignment. Who you are comes before what you do.

Clarity begins with identity. Wholeness begins with identity. Purpose begins with identity. When you forget that, you start chasing validation instead of walking in vocation. You start performing for people instead of resting in what Jesus already finished.

Take a breath today and remember this. You are not the sum of your output. You are the handiwork of God. That truth frees you to serve without fear and rest without guilt. It allows you to say yes from a place of confidence and no from a place of peace.

Activation: Ask yourself one question.Am I living as if my work defines me or as if Christ names meWrite down the first honest thought that comes to mind and talk to God about it today.

Thanks for reading.