Royalty- Francesca Battistelli

"Every lie beneath our feet When we see the way You see We know we are chosen and redeemed (Chosen and redeemed, chosen and redeemed)

My identity is something I have struggled with throughout my life. When I was growing up, I found my identity in my behavior. If I helped out at home or did good in school, I was satisfied with my self. If I didn't I would beat myself up, and wonder why I couldn't be better.

Even after I accepted Jesus into my life as a 12 year old boy, I had trouble seeing myself as a child of God. I was so used to being my parents' son, it was so easy to find my identity in being their son. It was not until college, that I learned my worth was so much more . It was through the loving body of believers at Johnson University that I found identity through community.

Even though I grew up in a Christian home, I had trouble forming relationships with kids my own age. I had trouble finding community and where I truly belonged. I began to accept my identity as a child of God at Johnson. Guys who didn't know everything about me embraced me and found value in who I was, not what I did. They were there for me and supported in whatever step God called me too. Whether that was a benefit concert for my mission trip to Uganda, or attending my first sermon at Gap Creek Christian Church. They were there for me in ways I had found previously in my life.

Identity is something I still struggle with to this day. It is easy to revert to childhood behaviors and find identity in what I do, rather than who I am. But then I remember the blessing of interacting and playing a part in

the body of Christ around the world. I have seen the beauty of this community in Ecuador, Kenya, Uganda, and across the United States. It is through them that I have seen that I am a child of God. I am chosen by the God of the universe. I am redeemed by the precious blood of Christ who died on the cross for me!!

Friends, if you have placed your trust in Jesus, you are chosen and redeemed. Your identity is not found in your behavior, your past mistakes, or even your future successes. Your identity is found in being a son/daughter of the God of the universe. His greatest treasure is you. He can't love you anymore or less.

If you haven't placed your trust in Jesus, today could be your moment that could change everything for you. You may find true identity and purpose for the very first time. Are you who you want to be? Embrace your true identity as a child of God today and you will find purpose and value beyond what this earthly world can offer you.