Identity in Christ

The structure of Cru is that we have a divided Bible study (men's and women's by area of campus) early in the week then have an All-Campus Gathering on Thursday nights where we all come together. In my Bible study, we have been learning about finding refuge in the Lord. We have been looking at different Psalms over the past couple weeks and they have been really encouraging. Many times we see Christians not being very successful in life while some non-Christians become very successful. It can become discouraging for us because we want to be rewarded for honoring God. Truth is, we are being rewarded. We get to spend eternity with God after we pass on from this life. Sure, some non-Christians are very successful but they get their reward now. They get a materialistic reward that will pass away with them but they don't have the hope that we have. God has a plan for all of us and even though it may seem like we are in a tough spot in life, He is there watching over us with our best interest in mind. This study has been really encouraging to me as I live my life here. College definitely has it's ups and downs and a whole new set of temptations but just keeping in mind that God is with me in the highs and lows is always encouraging.

This evening, we spoke about our identity in Christ. The example was given of Luke 15:4-7 of the 99 sheep and the 1 that ran off. Being a good shepherd, the man goes and finds the 1 sheep that runs off. God is our good shepherd and always comes to get us when we screw up and run away. His love is never ending and our sins are forgiven. God's love will never change, no matter how many times we mess up and no matter how many times we run away. Since this is true and we try to live our lives for Christ, our identity is in him. Many times we try and find our identity in the things that we are good at, for me, for example, would be academics. I feel good when I do well academically because I'm good at it. The difference is, I can lose that good feeling if do poorly on a test or in a class. With my identity in Christ, I never lose the good feeling of having God by my side because he never leaves. He always comes to get me when I run off. Our identity in Christ isn't works based and thank God for that because if it were, I and I'm sure all of you would not be in a good place right now. That's all for this week, thanks for tuning in. Until next time, enjoy your week!