I came across an advertisement recently that said collecting points in their membership program was “a new way to earn status.” Of course, a purchase was required! The more money spent, the faster you earned rewards. Naturally…

As soon as I heard that, I was indignant. I told Lydia, “That is not right! There’s no need to earn ‘status!’ We already have it in Jesus!”

As I thought about it more, I grew more annoyed. The world wants us to obsess about earning and achieving. The implication is that there is always something else to work towards. But, praise God, Jesus already accomplished all that needs to be done!

Our part is to believe that Jesus is Lord, agree with Him that we need to be saved, and place our full trust in Him (that His sacrificial death and Resurrection are enough). That is all that He requires. Straightforward faith with nothing added to it.

Here are some Bible verses about our identity in Christ. That is all that matters!

• 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
• Galatians 2:20 – “I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. The life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
• 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.”
• Colossians 3:3 – “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God”
• 1 Peter 2:9 – “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.”
• John 1:12 – “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” affirms adoption into God’s family and the privileges of being His child.
• Romans 8:16-17 – “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children… Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ.”
• 2 Corinthians 5:21 – “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

We are transformed in Christ, leaving behind the old self and embracing a renewed life in Him. We live by faith in Jesus and are intentionally designed for purpose and good works. The Holy Spirit empowers us, and we reflect His glory with our attitudes and actions. We are adopted into God’s family, and our full inheritance is found in Jesus. We are beloved, called, and redeemed. All we have and all we need is in Him!

**********

Heavenly Father, thanks for choosing us and caring for us. You do all things well. Help us remember the high calling You have on our lives. May we glorify You in all we do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: If we are constantly worrying about getting ahead, what does that say about our faith in God’s provision?! Which verse above speaks to you the most?

Task: Print the verses above and place them on your bathroom mirror or on your vehicle’s dashboard… or somewhere you will see them often. Let the Lord renew your mind and help you understand all He has for you!