I recently read Jamie Winship’s book, Living Fearless: Exchanging the Lies of the World for the Liberating Truth of God. It’s worth your time and effort to find out God’s unique identity He has given to you. We all have false identities that compete for our attention, allegiance, and authority. Sadly, if we don’t move into our true identity, it will be much harder for us to hear what God is saying. He doesn’t validate or encourage the false identity—the one Jesus died to save us from. “You cannot know God in any deep way from a false identity. You just can’t. Satan’s desire, whether you believe in Satan or not, is that you live your life making guesses, mostly wrong, about who you are, who God is, and who your neighbor is. You end up guessing your way through life and doing the best you can. That’s one way to live—most people do it that way—but it’s not a great way to live. You might survive with this strategy, but you will not thrive.” (Winship, 2022, p 99) Let’s dive into Colossians 1:15-23, and meditate on our new righteousness in Christ. There’s no life better than the good life with God. Colossians 1:15–23 The Preeminence of Christ [15] He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. [16] For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. [17] And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. [18] And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. [19] For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, [20] and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. [21] And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, [22] he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, [23] if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister. (ESV) Jennie Allen’s book is called The Lie You Don’t Know You Believe. Someone else needs to hear this message of our new identity in Christ. Be a part of the kingdom of light and share it with them. Drink from the River of Delight is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Ready for greater connection to God? I am a certified Christian Life Coach with the AACC. Book a call with me here, and take a big step in your journey alongside another believer who will cheer you on, guide you to Jesus, and share in God’s work in your life! Have you read my book yet? Drink from the River of Delight: Welcome to God’s Healing Space in His Word. Also on Audible and Kindle. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit janetabadir.substack.com/subscribe
