There’s Only One True Source for Identity and Purpose

by Rick Warren — September 22, 2020

“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.

Talk It Over

  • What have you tried to find your identity in besides Jesus Christ? What has been the result?
  • Why do you think getting to know Jesus and having a relationship with him will motivate you to pursue your purpose?

Have you trusted Jesus Christ for your salvation?

The Bible says you can only get to heaven by trusting in God through his Son, Jesus Christ. And you don’t have to earn God’s love or work your way into heaven. The Bible says, “It is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV).

If you haven’t trusted in Jesus and committed to following him, why wait any longer? If you’re ready to step across that line and make a decision to believe in Jesus Christ and follow him, pray this prayer:

“Dear Jesus, you have promised that if I believe in you, everything I’ve ever done wrong will be forgiven, I will learn the purpose of my life, and one day you will accept me into your eternal home in heaven.

“I confess my sin, and I believe that you are my Savior. You have promised that, if I confess my sin and trust you, I will be saved. I trust you when you say that salvation comes by grace, through faith, and not by anything I do. I receive you into my life as my Lord. Today I’m turning over every part of my life to your management. You have the right to call the shots in my life.

“Jesus, I want to use the rest of my life to serve you instead of serving myself. I commit my life to you and ask you to save me and accept me into your family. In your name I pray. Amen.”

If you just prayed to accept Jesus, please email me at [email protected] and let me know about it. I’d like to send you some free materials to help you start your journey with Jesus.


Give hope, prayer, and encouragement below. Post a comment & talk about it.