1 John 3:1 and the powerful truth that believers are deeply loved and called children of God. Our identity was never meant to be defined by a job, relationship, opportunity, or the approval of others.

Rejection can leave us questioning our worth, but God’s love is not dependent on whether we fit someone else’s expectations. When we root our identity in Christ, we can make decisions from a place of confidence and obedience rather than fear, insecurity, or the desire to be accepted.

Highlights:
Discover the life-changing truth that your identity is found in being a beloved child of God.
Learn how rejection and unmet expectations can challenge our understanding of our worth.
Understand why fitting into someone else’s mold can keep us from embracing God’s unique calling.
Be encouraged that God’s love and acceptance remain constant, even when circumstances change.
Explore how confidence in Christ helps us make decisions based on faith rather than fear or approval.
Remember that your value comes from God’s opinion of you—not the opinions or acceptance of others.

Join the Conversation

What areas of your life make you question your identity or worth? How can remembering that you are a child of God change the way you approach decisions and challenges?

Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/

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When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! 

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Full Transcript Below:

Live Confidently in Your Identity in Christ
By: Michelle Lazurek

Bible Reading:
“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” - 1 John 3:1

You're not a fit.

Those words stung as the church leader told us we were no longer a fit for the pastoral opportunity. After many interviews and discussions with church leaders, we mutually decided that we were not the best candidates to assume a pastoral role in their church. Although it was mutual and we knew this was true, those words still stung as a fresh wave of rejection hit us like the ocean's waves.

As much as we knew deep down that we did not possess the skills or abilities they were looking for in their next pastor, we still wanted to be wanted. It was not easy to hear that someone else had been chosen over us. Whether it's the end of a romantic relationship, the termination of a toxic friendship, or the end of a lucrative job, the desire to be included and loved unconditionally is a basic need for every human being.

As we pondered whether we had truly made the right decision, we knew what we were both thinking: we wanted to say yes because we were afraid of what would happen if we said no. Fear and money are not reasons to do something. Talking yourself into something because you're afraid of what it's like to be alone or to lose something is not a reason to do it. Talking yourself into something is like telling yourself you're not in a bad relationship. All the signs of abuse are there, but you choose not to see them. In the same way, we were trying to fit ourselves into a mold that didn't fit our gifts or abilities. 

God has wired each one of us with unique gifts that only we can use. No matter how much we try to be like someone else, we will never be exactly like another person. We can only be us, the person God has created us to be. The quicker we embrace that and solidify our identity in Christ rather than in our job or in our relationship, the happier we will be. 

The above reminds us that God loves us, whether we fit a particular mold. Whether we choose to acquiesce to others' expectations or not, our identity in Christ remains solid. Christ's death on the cross afforded us the grace and ability to access God whenever we choose. It also solidified our rank as his children and his chosen people. Because we are God's children, we are afforded an inheritance that will never spoil or fade. 

God wants us to live each day in the freedom of being God's children. He wants us to trust him and know that he is guiding every decision we make. Whether we ask God for direction on our next romantic relationship, next job, or how to navigate a difficult relationship, God's love and acceptance of us will never change.

Do you live every day knowing that God loves you unconditionally? Do you find yourself talking yourself into situations because you want to be loved and accepted by others? Do you choose the right job or the right relationship—or choose to be single—even though you know you've lost, and loneliness will result?

It takes someone solidified in their identity in Christ to not capitalize on a seemingly lucrative opportunity. However, the more we wire our brains to live in the freedom and liberty that has been afforded us through Christ Jesus, the better off we will be in every facet of our lives. It will no longer matter what people think of us if we don't have a relationship, we lose our job, or we lose a friendship. People's opinions no longer matter when we know whose opinion matters most. When we make decisions not out of fear or money, but out of obedience and true understanding of calling, that is a life well lived.

Father, let us be people who live in the understanding of our identity in Christ. Let us live every day free to make decisions not based on fear or money, but out of obedience and a calling to you. Let us trust in you, knowing that you have ordered all our steps and will provide for our every need. Amen. 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

What keeps you from living a life confident in your identity in Christ?

Further Reading:
1 Peter 2:9

1 John 3:1 and the powerful truth that believers are deeply loved and called children of God. Our identity was never meant to be defined by a job, relationship, opportunity, or the approval of others.
Rejection can leave us questioning our worth, but God&rsquo;s love is not dependent on whether we fit someone else&rsquo;s expectations. When we root our identity in Christ, we can make decisions from a place of confidence and obedience rather than fear, insecurity, or the desire to be accepted.
Highlights:
<ul data-start="730" data-end="1316">
<li data-section-id="joam7o" data-start="730" data-end="825">Discover the life-changing truth that your identity is found in being a beloved child of God.</li>
<li data-section-id="1y6h03w" data-start="826" data-end="916">Learn how rejection and unmet expectations can challenge our understanding of our worth.</li>
<li data-section-id="cugrki" data-start="917" data-end="1015">Understand why fitting into someone else&rsquo;s mold can keep us from embracing God&rsquo;s unique calling.</li>
<li data-section-id="pnm7sx" data-start="1016" data-end="1111">Be encouraged that God&rsquo;s love and acceptance remain constant, even when circumstances change.</li>
<li data-section-id="nwrjod" data-start="1112" data-end="1215">Explore how confidence in Christ helps us make decisions based on faith rather than fear or approval.</li>
<li data-section-id="1yqrase" data-start="1216" data-end="1316">Remember that your value comes from God&rsquo;s opinion of you&mdash;not the opinions or acceptance of others.</li>
</ul>
Join the Conversation
What areas of your life make you question your identity or worth? How can remembering that you are a child of God change the way you approach decisions and challenges?
Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: <a href="https://forums.crosswalk.com/">https://forums.crosswalk.com/</a>
Do you want to listen ad-free?
When you join&nbsp;Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors&mdash;resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts!&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/subscribe/?utm_source=subscribe_page&amp;utm_medium=YDBV&amp;utm_campaign=YDBV_PLUS">Sign Up Today!</a>
<hr>
Full Transcript Below:
Live Confidently in Your Identity in Christ By: Michelle Lazurek
Bible Reading: &ldquo;See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!&rdquo; - 1 John 3:1
You're not a fit.
Those words stung as the church leader told us we were no longer a fit for the pastoral opportunity. After many interviews and discussions with church leaders, we mutually decided that we were not the best candidates to assume a pastoral role in their church. Although it was mutual and we knew this was true, those words still stung as a fresh wave of rejection hit us like the ocean's waves.
As much as we knew deep down that we did not possess the skills or abilities they were looking for in their next pastor, we still wanted to be wanted. It was not easy to hear that someone else had been chosen over us. Whether it's the end of a romantic relationship, the termination of a toxic friendship, or the end of a lucrative job, the desire to be included and loved unconditionally is a basic need for every human being.
As we pondered whether we had truly made the right decision, we knew what we were both thinking: we wanted to say yes because we were afraid of what would happen if we said no. Fear and money are not reasons to do something. Talking yourself into something because you're afraid of what it's like to be alone or to lose something is not a reason to do it. Talking yourself into something is like telling yourself you're not in a bad relationship. All the signs of abuse are there, but you choose not to see them. In the same way, we were trying to fit ourselves into a mold that didn't fit our gifts or abilities.&nbsp;
God has wired each one of us with unique gifts that only we can use. No matter how much we try to be like someone else, we will never be exactly like another person. We can only be us, the person God has created us to be. The quicker we embrace that and solidify our identity in Christ rather than in our job or in our relationship, the happier we will be.&nbsp;
The above reminds us that God loves us, whether we fit a particular mold. Whether we choose to acquiesce to others' expectations or not, our identity in Christ remains solid. Christ's death on the cross afforded us the grace and ability to access God whenever we choose. It also solidified our rank as his children and his chosen people. Because we are God's children, we are afforded an inheritance that will never spoil or fade.&nbsp;
God wants us to live each day in the freedom of being God's children. He wants us to trust him and know that he is guiding every decision we make. Whether we ask God for direction on our next romantic relationship, next job, or how to navigate a difficult relationship, God's love and acceptance of us will never change.
Do you live every day knowing that God loves you unconditionally? Do you find yourself talking yourself into situations because you want to be loved and accepted by others? Do you choose the right job or the right relationship&mdash;or choose to be single&mdash;even though you know you've lost, and loneliness will result?
It takes someone solidified in their identity in Christ to not capitalize on a seemingly lucrative opportunity. However, the more we wire our brains to live in the freedom and liberty that has been afforded us through Christ Jesus, the better off we will be in every facet of our lives. It will no longer matter what people think of us if we don't have a relationship, we lose our job, or we lose a friendship. People's opinions no longer matter when we know whose opinion matters most. When we make decisions not out of fear or money, but out of obedience and true understanding of calling, that is a life well lived.
Father, let us be people who live in the understanding of our identity in Christ. Let us live every day free to make decisions not based on fear or money, but out of obedience and a calling to you. Let us trust in you, knowing that you have ordered all our steps and will provide for our every need. Amen.&nbsp;
Intersecting Faith &amp; Life:
What keeps you from living a life confident in your identity in Christ?
Further Reading: 1 Peter 2:9

Are you a Christian looking for a daily devotional podcast to encourage, inspire, and convict you in your walk with Christ? 7 days a week, The Crosswalk.com Daily Devotional Podcast offers wisdom and insight for applying Biblical truths to the ups and downs of everyday life. Let's study the Bible together and through the experiences of other believers, learn how to apply the Word of God to our lives.

Here’s just some of what we cover in The Crosswalk Daily Devotional Podcast:

☕️ Why the Tongue Can't Be Tamed (And What to Do about It)
☕️ The Quickest Way to an Attitude Adjustment
☕️ Your Birthday: The Most and Least Important Day of Your Life
☕️ Noticing God's Blessings in the Hardest Moments of Life
☕️ One of the Sneakiest Lies Satan Is Telling the Church
☕️ How to Push Through the Weariness of Prayer
☕️ 3 Steps to Take When Facing Temptation
☕️ What to Remember during a Stressful Election Year

If you love what you're listening to on the podcast, be sure to check out our companion devotional at https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/.

Are you a Christian looking for a daily devotional podcast to encourage, inspire, and convict you in your walk with Christ? 7 days a week, The Crosswalk.com Daily Devotional Podcast offers wisdom and insight for applying Biblical truths to the ups and downs of everyday life. Let's study the Bible together and through the experiences of other believers, learn how to apply the Word of God to our lives.
Here’s just some of what we cover in The Crosswalk Daily Devotional Podcast:
☕️ Why the Tongue Can't Be Tamed (And What to Do about It) ☕️ The Quickest Way to an Attitude Adjustment ☕️ Your Birthday: The Most and Least Important Day of Your Life ☕️ Noticing God's Blessings in the Hardest Moments of Life ☕️ One of the Sneakiest Lies Satan Is Telling the Church ☕️ How to Push Through the Weariness of Prayer ☕️ 3 Steps to Take When Facing Temptation ☕️ What to Remember during a Stressful Election Year
If you love what you're listening to on the podcast, be sure to check out our companion devotional at <a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/">https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/.</a>

7 days a week, The Crosswalk.com Devotional Podcast offers wisdom and insight for applying Biblical truths to the ups and downs of everyday life.

The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

The Crosswalk Devotional

Live Confidently in Your Identity in Christ

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/03db18b9-e07f-4263-b11f-b48a01235d45/transcript