Our identity impacts the way we live. When we know and believe the truth about our identity, the ways we think (our attitudes) and the ways we behave (our actions) reflect that reality.
I felt impressed by God to spend the second week with the Black Rock summer staff focused upon the reality of our identity in Jesus Christ and God’ invitation to live like Him. We focused on Colossians 3:12-14.
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” – Colossians 3:12-14
God graciously met with the different staff members in unique and personal ways. God acted powerfully throughout the two weeks. David understood anew that he is God’s chosen vessel. Axel declared that he is dearly loved and now believed God loved him. Victoria experienced compassion and kindness in a fresh manner. Miguel walked into humility experiencing freedom. Ruth embraced the gentleness of God. Davina noticed God’s patient and formative movement within her soul. Angel confessed his embrace of and release through forgiveness. Alex looked for ways to extend God’s love and presence to others. These staff and others encountered God’s Spirit moving within them in mighty ways.
Each day as a group we declared the truth that we are chosen, set apart, and dearly loved. For many of the staff, these truths of God seemed unreal, yet as we dove into the Scripture, they began to embrace God’s word as reality. The Bible clearly states that God chooses us (Isaiah 41:9, Ephesians 1, Titus 1, John 15, Revelation 17:14, etc.). God also sets us apart; we are made holy through Jesus Christ (Hebrews 10:10), and God calls us His beloved (Ephesians 5:1, 1 John 3, Galatians 2:20, etc.). Believing these truths impacts the way we live.
Say aloud to yourself, “I am chosen, set apart, and dearly loved.” Declare to at least one other person today their true identity in Christ as well, “You are chosen, set apart, and dearly loved.” How does it feel to speak these truths?
Because this sums up our identity, let us clothe ourselves to look like and reflect Jesus. When we do this, our attitudes and actions resemble our Savior, Jesus Christ. Consider the wardrobe God invites us to wear:
* Put on compassion, which is offering tenderness and sensitivity to others.
* Let sweet consideration of others flow through you in kindness.
* Have a realistic view of your humanity following Jesus’ example with humility.
* Be soft towards others with modesty in gentleness.
* Practice long suffering in your reactions towards others, with grace, as you exercise patience.
* Endure discomfort, letting others off the hook with forgiveness.
* And, as an outer garment, over all of these attributes of Christ, walk in love, acting on what is best for others.
Do you consider what you wear, as one chosen, set apart, and dearly loved by God? Which pieces of God’s clothing do you wear well? How is God shaping you with some of the other pieces of His clothing?
As you get dressed this week, ask God to clothe you with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and love. Join me in living intentionally from our identity rooted in Christ.
This week:
Read the book of 1 John – maybe one chapter a day. As you read, wonder with God what He wants you to know about Himself and how He is inviting you to live as His child. Chat with a friend or family member about what you notice.
Or, memorize Colossians 3:12-14. Allow God’s Word to imprint upon your soul and impact your beliefs about yourself. Embrace God’s summons to dress like Him.
Have a super week!
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Drips from the Word: Muse about these Bible verses. Let these truths impact your living.
Revelation 17:14 – They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.
Galatians 2:20 – I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Splashes from the Spigot: Drink from deep wells. Read these recommended books to fill your soul.
Catherine Parks. What to Wear: A Kids Bible Study on Looking Like Jesus (Colossians 3:1-14). Chicago, IL. 2023.
Steven J. Huber. Colossians: Becoming Who You Are in Christ, Study Guide with Leader’s Notes (The Gospel-Centered Life in the Bible). Greensboro, NC. 2024.
Sprinklings of Truth: Soak in meaningful songs. Check out these music videos to lift up your spirit.
Lacrae. Identity. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7W4I0tQZps
Lauren Daigle. You Say. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIaT8Jl2zpI
Puddles for Prayer: Thank you for praying for upcoming travel and speaking engagements.
July 8-12 – Denver Seminary – Certificate in Spiritual Direction Cohort