From the Pastor's Desk

Your True Self!

​     We are profoundly social, deeply story-driven, and we have eternity in our hearts. To find ourselves, we look around, back and forth to our stories, and upward to God. According to the Bible, all three are important, but looking up is the key. And the cross of Christ makes all the difference. 
      Being known by others has its limitations, given the imperfection and impermanence of our relationships. One blessing of the gospel is that those who trust in Christ not only know God, but are also known by him, intimately and personally, as his children. This gives our lives comfort and significance and a stable sense of self: “Now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God . . .” (Galatians 4:9). 
      And this identity is a gift that shapes our conduct and character as God conforms us to the family likeness: “Those whom God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that He might be the firstborn among many brothers” (Romans 8:29). 
     To all who are in Christ, the cross of Christ proclaims that God has claimed you as his very own; you belong to Him. But surrendering yourself in this way does not lead to the eradication of yourself, or any kind of oppressive subjugation. In losing yourself and belonging to one who loves you with an everlasting love, you will find your true self.” 

Article Excerpts from “You Won’t Find Yourself Within,” printed August 3, 2022—DesiringGod.org. Author: Brian Rosner (PhD), principal of Ridley College. How to find Yourself: Why Looking Inward Is Not the Answer (Crossway, 2022).