Devotional Message

We often find identity in our spiritual accomplishments—feeling immense joy when we succeed in achieving a goal tied to our faith, gifts, and purpose, or whenever we overcome negative forces. We tie our worth to these accomplishments, yet what inevitably happens is that when we fall back or return to old patterns, that sense of pride and joy evaporates. Our worth becomes tethered to our achievements, causing our sense of fulfillment to rise and fall with our performance.

This is precisely the dynamic Jesus addresses in Luke 10:20. When the seventy-two disciples returned with excitement over their spiritual power after a successful ministry, Jesus redirects their focus: ‘Rejoice that your names are written in heaven.’ This passage invites us to shift our attention from spiritual achievements to spiritual identity—so that we don’t find ourselves in danger of questioning who we are when our accomplishments falter.

To have our ‘names written in heaven’ suggests that God values us not for what we do or have achieved, but for who we are in Christ. His measuring stick is our relationship with Him, which ideally doesn’t fluctuate based on external successes or failures. Yet we tend to value ourselves based on what we do and what we’re known for. The reason this distinction is so crucial for our spiritual evolution is that it frees us from attachment to temporary victories and allows us to focus our energy on eternal security.

When we find joy primarily in our relationship with God rather than in our works, this perspective transforms everything in our lives. The joy we feel through Him then feeds the work we do, enabling us to accomplish meaningful things and achieve important goals—but this time, we have the eternal security of knowing that no matter what happens externally, our relationship with Him in our hearts suffices. We’re free to serve without the burden of proving our worth, because our names are already written in heaven.

Let’s Pray

Dear God, I confess that I often find my worth in accomplishments and the approval of others, allowing my value to be tethered to external factors, leaving me in a constant ebb and flow of temporary satisfaction rather than lasting joy.

Today I ask you to help me value my relationship with you above all achievements. Reorient my heart to find its greatest joy in belonging to you. Thank you for the eternal security and unshakable identity you’ve given me in Christ, allowing me to feel fulfilled and at peace regardless of successes or failures in this world. Help me to serve from a place of security rather than striving for significance. Amen.

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