Golden Nugget: Whatever defined your past doesn’t need to define your future as a Christ-follower.

Daily Message:

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” —1 Peter 2:9

You have an identity that goes beyond your birth certificate or driver’s license. We all do. Maybe you have a nickname. Maybe you are labeled by a mistake or disappointment, like “divorced” or “alcoholic” or “ex-con.” 

But you never could have imagined the extent of the changes God had planned for you from the first day you followed Jesus Christ. You may have made some new discoveries about God’s greatest gifts, like forgiveness, eternal life, grace, and the beauty of becoming a new creation. 

Whatever defined your past doesn’t need to define your future as a Christ-follower. The verse from 1 Peter teaches that you are now “God’s special possession.” And with your new identity, you received one of God’s greatest gifts: purpose. Your purpose is to show who God is through your new identity. 

Consider This:

• How do most people in your world identify you now?
• What parts of your past identity cause you the most pain?
• What steps can you take to move beyond that pain?

Take Action:

Review the verse from 1 Peter and note four different changes God has given you as a new Christ-follower.