Central Truth

We no longer have to be tied to our past. Christ freed us to move into His design for our lives.

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Reflections

Growing up with a twin brother made having an individual identity a challenge, even though we were as different as night and day. As we grew into our teenage years, our lives really began to diverge, and I saw it as a chance for freedom from a part of life I didn't like. But in reality, it only opened the door for my retreat into self-sufficiency and insecurity.

I was raised in a Christian home, and even though I believed Christ died for my sin, I never learned how to grow in my relationship with Him -- to seek my identity in Him. While my insecurities kept me silent, and my actions drove me further into isolation, I convinced myself that I shouldn't bother anyone, including God. Eventually, it became very easy to identify myself outwardly by whatever I was involved in, or whatever I could "do." While on the inside, it was easy to rationalize away the hurts, temptations, and sexual struggles as things no one needed to care about.

But God had other ideas! Through His people He led me headlong into re:generation, a recovery ministry of Watermark Church. As I finally began to really apply His Word to my life and to work through my hurts, habits, and hangups, I finally understood that all God really wanted from me was me! (Romans 12:2) Because He loves me! Not for what I can do, not for my gifts, just me! All of the ugly things I saw as my identity faded to nothing when compared to who He says I am; I am valuable enough to send His Son to die for me.

Just a few years ago, if you had asked me who I was, I would have given you a list of the very things I didn't like about myself: introverted, divorced, insecure, single father, and sexual struggler. But Christ's love has slowly and graciously changed my identity to a loved and cherished man falling more in love with my Heavenly Father.

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Discussion Questions

1. What are some of the ways you identify yourself?

2. Is there anything from your past you are still holding on to or allowing to identify you?

3. Do you find it difficult to accept the truth of who God says you are? Why?

WEEKLY FAMILY ACTIVITY

1 Corinthians 2-6 (June 18-22)

Read 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.

* If you have trusted Jesus as your Savior, who lives in you?
* What do these verses say your body is?
* How would you expect someone to take care of a temple?
* What does it mean that you were bought with a high price?
* How do you treat something that is very expensive?
* How can you honor God with your body? (Make a list of at least 10 things.)

Activity: Go outside and use sidewalk chalk to draw a body for each family member. Be sure to include the eyes, ears, mouth, brain, heart, hands, feet, and stomach. Now for each of these parts, discuss ways that you can honor God with them.

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