So it’s time to dive into the theme of this season: Identity.
If you’ve been following since our last release in 2022, then you’re up-to-date.
But for our new fam, let’s quickly recap!
Our journey begins with this truth: we are foreigners and temporary residents in this world (1 Peter 2:11). That despite living on earth, we as believers are ultimately bound for Heaven, and our lives should reflect our Heavenly citizenship (Philippians 3:20). We are not mere wanderers; we are ambassadors of the Most High, entrusted with a divine mission on earth.
But now that we know that we are foreigners in this world, we need to understand our identity–who we are and who God has called you to be.
In a world that often defines us by our achievements, possessions, societal status, and even our race or financial status–it's easy to lose sight of our true identity. Many of us have walked paths seeking validation and purpose, only to find ourselves empty and unfulfilled. Most of us achieve great things: the degrees, the new jobs, cars or homes, promotions, and business deals yet, we lack purpose. Others strive to emulate other Christians or personalities, and in doing so, miss out on the unique person we were designed to be. But then there are some of us who allow past traumas or life circumstances to define them…
BUT through God's grace and revelation, we discover a profound truth: our identity is rooted not in the things of this world, but in our eternal relationship with Christ.
“In this way we are like the various parts of a human body. Each part gets its meaning from the body as a whole, not the other way around. The body we’re talking about is Christ’s body of chosen people. Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body. But as a chopped-off finger or cut-off toe we wouldn’t amount to much, would we? So since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ’s body, let’s just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren’t” (Romans 12:4-6 MSG).
Yes, we’re foreigners, but it’s not enough to just know where we belong. It’s important to know whom we belong to and who He has designed us to uniquely be here on earth.
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9).
Consider the stories of those who once sought their identity in material wealth, social approval, or personal achievements. Through encountering the truth of God's Word and the unconditional love of Jesus, their lives were forever changed. They found a new identity—one that transcends circumstances and offers a profound sense of belonging and purpose.
Our identity is not defined by our failures or our successes, or our Bible App streak or worldly affirmation. It is defined by our relationship with our Heavenly Father. Understanding this truly helps us to see ourselves as citizens of Heaven, even while living as foreigners on earth.
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).
As we embrace our Heavenly identity, let us be encouraged and emboldened by the truth that we are no longer slaves to fear or worldly expectations (Romans 8:15).
We are foreigners in this world with an identity–each of us created uniquely and intentionally. We’re all different parts of the body, operating in different spaces and capacities. We are heirs of God's kingdom, called to live with an individual purpose.
So, MJP Family, may our lives be a testimony to the incredible change that occurs when we find our unique identity in Christ. Let us live out this truth with passion and authenticity, knowing that in Him, we are truly found and forever transformed.
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