Settled Podcast Launch
Embracing True Identity in Christ: Letting Go and Trusting from Rest
Welcome to the Settled Podcast blog, where we summarize Jason and Elizabeth Settle’s deep dive into what it means to occupy your true self in Christ through personal stories and shared wisdom. Today, we’re tackling a subject that seems to be the backdrop of our lives: trying hard to do better. This blog post accompanies our recent podcast episode, and we encourage you to listen all the way through for the full experience.
The Degreaser Story: A Lesson in Trying Harder
Elizabeth: Let’s start with a story, a real peek into my childhood. One day, in a burst of enthusiasm, I grabbed a degreaser to clean the bathroom mirror, convinced that more effort meant better results. Spoiler: it didn’t. Instead, I just ended up with a messier mirror and a frustrated heart.
Jason: That’s a relatable scenario. How many times have we all reached for that metaphorical bottle, thinking the solution lies in trying harder? Whether it's at work, in personal growth, or even in faith, we've all done it.
The Try Harder Solution: The Myth of More Effort
Jason: The problem is we often believe the solution to our struggles is simply to try harder. But this ‘try harder’ mindset can lead to a cycle of frustration and burnout, especially when it comes to spiritual growth and living out your faith.
Elizabeth: That’s right. The more I tried scrubbing the mirror, the worse it got. It was a physical representation of what happens when we rely solely on our efforts without aligning with God’s solutions.
Reframe with Faith: From Effort to Trust
Elizabeth: Jesus gives us a new perspective in Mark 12. He says the greatest commandment is to love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. Notice the order here—heart first, not effort.
Jason: Yes, aligning with this requires a shift in mindset. Instead of pouring effort into changing ourselves, it's about receiving God’s love and letting that guide our actions.
A Heart Transplant: Living from a New Spirit
Elizabeth: In Ezekiel 36, God talks about giving us a new heart—a heart of flesh instead of stone. This powerful imagery represents letting go of our stony hearts filled with effort and control and embracing a heart that relies on God’s spirit.
Embracing Our Identity: A Child of God’s Love
Jason: Trusting our new heart, given by God, means living from an identity as His child. Society tells us to not trust ourselves, but if God has given us a redeemed heart, why wouldn’t we trust it?
Elizabeth: God’s perspective on us is like watching cows relaxing in the field. To Him, whether we’re bustling about or resting, we’re still just as valuable. Recognizing this allows us to embrace our true identity, free of pressure.
Living from Rest and Trust
Jason: So, what does it mean to live from rest? It means trusting that our identity and worth are already secure in God. It’s not about striving for approval but accepting the approval He already gives.
Elizabeth: Rest isn’t just relaxation; it’s a spiritual posture. It’s knowing that our status as His child means we don’t have to earn our place. That’s the essence of abundant life.
Practical Steps: Try Listening for God’s Voice
Pause and Reflect: Take time to hear God. Turn your heart towards Him and quieten your mind.
Examine Your Effort: Ask God what solutions you’re relying on that might not be His. What might He be suggesting instead?
Embrace His Truth: Swap lies for truth. If God says your heart is good, believe it. Live from that identity.
Discover Freedom: Letting Go of Shame
Jason: Remember, if faith were a fruit, it would taste like rest and trust. It's time we lean into that.
Elizabeth: Revisit this blog post alongside our podcast episode and take a moment to let these truths sink in. Challenge the notion that more effort equals more faith, and instead, rest in knowing who you already are in Christ.
Thank you for being part of this journey with us. We hope these reflections help you find your true self in Christ, filled with His love and peace. Listen to the full podcast episode for an in-depth exploration, and join us next time for more insights. Together, we're cultivating a life settled in faith.