I have had to ask myself this question at some points in my life: “Who am I, really?” Because if we’re not careful, we start measuring ourselves by the things we’ve achieved — the goals we’ve hit, the image people have of us, the progress we can point to. And when those things are missing or shaky, we feel like we’re missing too. But then God keeps pulling us back to this truth: our life is hidden in Christ. That’s where our identity is, not in the boxes we’ve checked or haven’t checked yet.
Paul understood this. In Philippians 3:7-8 he said, “Whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.” That’s a heavy statement, especially when you remember who Paul was. He wasn’t small. He had status, he had influence. But he looked at all of it and said, “Without Christ, it’s empty.” He wasn’t saying achievements are bad; he was saying they’re not strong enough to define who you are.
And isn’t that the trap for many of us? We’re so quick to wrap our worth around what we do, how much we earn, or how well people clap for us. But the truth is, those things are fragile. Jobs can disappear. Titles can fade. Applause always dies down. Even relationships can shift. But identity in Christ? That’s untouchable. It doesn’t reduce with age. It doesn’t get weaker when you fail. It’s eternal.
For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:3 (NIV).
That realization has set me free. We can chase goals, pursue dreams, and give our very best, but whether we rise or fall, whether people notice us or overlook us, one thing stays the same: we are still God’s children. That truth doesn’t shift with achievements. Our value isn’t hanging on the next milestone; it’s already secure in Jesus.
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works. Ephesians 2:10.
Did you see that? It doesn’t say your worth comes from the works. It says you are His handiwork. The identity comes first. The works simply flow out of it.
In conclusion, achievements are good. They can open doors, create opportunities, and even bless others. But they were never meant to define us. Christ is. When we make Him our real identity, we stand on a foundation that doesn’t shake. Nothing we gain or lose in this life can change the fact that we are fully known, fully loved, and fully secure in Him.
An interesting topic is before us today: I receive strength. Another wonderful bible verse you should learn is from the book of Philippians.
In chapter four and verse thirteen, you know what you can do as a follower of Christ.
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Phil. 4:13 KJV)
Imagine the possibilities you have access to do with this verse. The writer is showing you that you can do all you desire to as long as you have Jesus.
Your strength doesn’t come from you, your possessions, friends, families, or education. It comes from Jesus.
He gives you the strength to move on and accomplish everything you need to accomplish.
If there is a huge task or challenge in front of you, remember this verse. Say and believe it. Jesus will show you how to carry it out with ease.
It doesn’t mean that you won’t do your part. You pray and act according to the leading of Jesus.
Another wonderful bible verse you should learn is from the book of Philippians. It is God’s Word to you. In chapter four and verse thirteen, you know what you can do as a follower of Christ.
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Phil. 4:13 KJV)
Imagine the possibilities you have access to do with this verse. The writer is showing you that you can do all you desire to as long as you have Jesus.
Your strength doesn’t come from you, your possessions, friends, families, or education. It comes from Jesus.
He gives you the strength to move on and accomplish everything you need to accomplish.
If there is a huge task or challenge in front of you, remember this verse. Say and believe it. Jesus will show you how to carry it out with ease.
It doesn’t mean that you won’t do your part. You pray and act according to the leading of Jesus.
The quality of meekness is one state of the heart that should not be compromised. Marry a teachable woman. You need a lady that is submissive.
Submission is not subservience or servitude. It is just a cooperation to allow your husband have the final say.
As a lady, never marry a man you detest or that you cannot defer to.
In talking to women, Apostle Peter listed some qualities every woman should have and every man should look for.
When they observe the pure and modest way in which you conduct yourselves, together with your [a]reverence [for your husband; you are to feel for him all that reverence includes: to respect, defer to, revere him—to honor, esteem, appreciate, prize, and, in the human sense, to adore him, that is, to admire, praise, be devoted to, deeply love, and enjoy your husband]. 1 Pet.3:2
Now, listen very carefully. You will not always find a perfect woman! You have to allow her to grow. You have to be patient.
If you are looking for that Mrs. Perfect, I have news for you, she does not exist!
4. Look for a woman you love and your heart blesses!
Marriage is by choice and not by force, so it is important you look for a lady you truly love and your heart blesses. Don’t marry out of pressure or suggestion.
When you marry a woman you truly love, when there are crisis or challenges, the first statement from you won’t be, “I want a divorce,” rather it would be “how can I salvage this situation?” Why? Because you love her!
The scripture likened marriage to Jesus Christ and the church. If Jesus Christ is like the husband, and the church is like the wife, the question is “has the church, the wife of Jesus Christ been perfect?”
The answer is No! How is Jesus Christ coping? How come Jesus has not divorced the church? The church is truly in a messy state and the body of Christ seemed divided and yet the scripture made a shocking statement that all husbands must learn from.
That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. (Ephesians 5:27 KJV)
How will Jesus achieve this for God’s sake? You see, because I am supposed to take a cue from Him since I am a husband or husband-to-be like Jesus Christ is the husband of the church.
Message Translation even made it more incredible.
Christ’s love makes the church whole. His words evoke her beauty. Everything he does and says is designed to bring the best out of her, dressing her in dazzling white silk, radiant with holiness. And that is how husbands ought to love their wives. They’re really doing themselves a favor––since they’re already “one” in marriage (Ephesians 5:26-28 Message)
I must look for a woman I truly love and I am comfortable that everything I do or say is designed to evoke her beauty and bring the best out of her!
Verse 27 tells us how Jesus Christ would achieve this.
That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. (Ephesians 5:27 KJV)
May God grant you more understanding.
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I am deliberate in my approach to find love
PRAYERS FOR THE DAY O Lord, turn things around in my favour
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY And that is how husbands ought to love their wives. They’re really doing themselves a favor––since they’re already “one” in marriage Eph 5:28 MSG
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY Start preparing for your marriage now.
Today, we start with how to ensure your safety as a sheep in this world. A sheep knows better than to be alone without any help. The first way to ensure your safety is to have a shepherd. Jesus is your shepherd. He is the good shepherd.
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep” John 10:11 NLT.
He repeated it here
“I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me,” John 10:14 NLT.
What does a shepherd do? A shepherd looks over a flock of sheep. He is their guardian, watching over them. A protector that keeps them safe from being attacked by other animals stronger than they. He is their provider, ensuring they graze on the choicest grasslands.
As a child, you have to be under the protection of somebody. That’s why you have parents to look after you. They gave birth to you and really care for you. They will protect and provide for you. God has made them shepherds over you in this world.
Prayer: Lord, help me to obey my parents who are my shepherds in Jesus name. Amen
Action Point: Have you been disobedient to your parents? Repent.
Declaration: I am an obedient child. I listen to my parents.
