In the summer of 1989 at a Young Life camp in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota I repented of my sins and trusted Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior. I quickly learned that by this act of faith I was indeed saved and that no one could snatch me out of the Lord’s hand. To this very day I still look back on that moment in my life as I was born again.

I had such a great experience with Christ, but as the newness of my salvation “wore off” I wondered what else the Christian life offered. I was certainly taught to be obedient, to share my faith and to yearn for the life to come; however, the disciplines of praying, evangelism and reading God’s Word felt more like a chore that was rewarded than a desire fulfilled. When I would read the Scriptures, it seemed like God’s people were fervent and excited, yet I wasn’t experiencing anything like I did when I was first saved. Unfortunately, I began to think the Christian life had little to offer other than ensuring my future salvation.

Have you ever felt that way? Perhaps you know that you are saved, but Christianity is little more than ritualistic duties to be performed. If so, then I have great news for you: Jesus Christ has not changed and is still available and present. Jesus Christ saved you so that He could reveal His love for you and overwhelm you with His goodness.

As I begin to read God’s Word and take ownership of His love for me, everything began to change. Instead of seeing myself as a miserable sinner who needed to try harder next time, I began to see myself as a treasured son of Almighty God. Once I saw how proud Jesus was of me and how He saw me as holy, righteous, good, wise, kind, and patient I found that I wanted nothing more than to spend time with Him and tell others of His goodness.

If you have confessed Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, the best life you can live is one that is receiving from Him. Just as you received Him as Lord and Savior I encourage you to receive your identity from Him today. Stop striving and trust in His unfailing love for you.