There’s Only One True Source for Identity and Purpose
By Rick Warren

"It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for." Ephesians 1:11 (The Message)

The only way to know who you are and what your purpose is in life is to look to Jesus Christ. Why? Because he created you!

"We look at this Son and see God’s original purpose in everything created . . . everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him" (Colossians 1:15-16 The Message).

The phrase "in Christ" is one of the most important in the Bible. In the New Testament it is used 89 times, and the phrase "in him" is used 79 times.

If you have trusted Jesus Christ for salvation, you likely call yourself a Christian, but the word “Christian” is used only twice in the whole Bible. In biblical times, the most common description used for a follower of Jesus was "in Christ."

That directly points to where you should find your identity as a follower of Jesus. Ephesians 1:11 says, "It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for" (The Message).

In Christ, you find out who you are—that’s your identity. And you find what you’re living for—that’s your purpose.

The only way to know your identity and purpose in life is by getting to know your Creator. You may think you know yourself best, but God knows everything about you. He made you to love you, and he gave you a purpose only you can fulfill. If you really want to find out what that purpose is and how to pursue it, you have to get to know Jesus Christ and ask for his wisdom and direction.

When you look for your identity in other people, you're not going to find it. When you look for your identity in your job or your hobby or your accomplishments or your causes, you’re only going to be disappointed. 

When you find your identity in Christ, you’re going to find your purpose and the motivation to get to work on it.

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Encourage a Graduate in Your Life

Graduation time is here, and chances are there’s a young person in your life who could use some encouragement, along with a little guidance.

Set them up for success with Pastor Rick’s The Purpose Driven Life: Selected Thoughts and Scriptures for the Graduate.

Filled with inspirational Scripture, biblical wisdom from Pastor Rick, and beautiful imagery, this unique, hardcover gift book provides a priceless reminder of the bountiful life God has planned for your graduate—and it will empower them to seek his unique plan and purpose for their life.

We’d love to send you a copy of this special resource as thanks for your gift today to help Daily Hope take the transforming power of Jesus into more lives around the world.

So request your copy below—and set a young graduate on the path to all God has for their life!

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This devotional © 2018 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

You can listen to Rick Warren on OnePlace.com.