Sometimes, in the middle of a busy week at the church office, it is easy to get caught up in all the tasks and deadlines. That is when I like to pause and remind myself of what really matters. One song that always brings this home for me is CityAlight's Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me.
At the end of the song, after reflecting on the ultimate sacrifice of our Saviour, we are reminded that when all our "doing" is done, we will still be with Him, continuing to praise His Name:
To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus
All the glory evermore to Him
When the race is complete, still my lips shall repeat
"Yet not I, but through Christ in me"
Paul writes to the Galatians, "… I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (2:20 NIVUK), or as The Message version puts it, "It is no longer important that I appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I am no longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in me."
When our church roles are so much about the "doing" it is easy to evaluate ourselves by visible results or by what we've ticked off the list…but this is a trap. If our identity comes from our success or even our level of authority, it is going to feel like being on a rollercoaster – some days will be great, but others we will find ourselves plunging into a pit of despair.
However, if our identity comes only through what Christ has done for us, we have a source of security that does not change. Our ultimate success remains, regardless of spelling mistakes, missed deadlines or low numbers.
One way to bring this alive is to separate out and define our Identity, Purpose, and Assignment:
Identity - Who am I? Reflect on who are you are in Christ. For example, "I am made in the image of God and saved by His Son…"
Purpose - Why am I here? Consider why God has placed you in this role. For example, "I exist to extend the kingdom rule of God into every environment I find myself..."
Assignment - What should I be doing? Think about what God is asking of you today and in this season. For example, "I am to fulfil the purpose of God wherever I am, whatever is my current assignment…"
Once we have established this, we can then look at our job descriptions, role objectives, and measures, but ultimately our success is rooted in the love and grace of Jesus Christ.
If we are unsure where to start or just need a reminder, Freedom in Christ gives 33 verses affirming our identity in Christ. A simple summary is:
We are Accepted
We are Secure
We are Significant
Whatever your task today, whether updating a newsletter, arranging rotas, or planning upcoming projects, remember that what really matters is who we are in Him. We are accepted, secure and significant, and our work matters even when no one else sees it.
In His Name
Jen Swallow
UCAN Manager Member