I’m an Enneagram 3.  A high “I” on the DISC profile.  A major over-achiever by most standards.  Accumulating accolades, affirmation, and awards has been my go-to over the years.

Personality assessments aside, everyone wants to feel like they have value, purpose, and worth.  Being noticed for our accomplishments is a universal human need.  And, while that is valid, this internal drive can tempt us to fixate on the wrong thing, if we’re not careful.

In the book of Luke, Jesus sent 72 people to go out into a few towns and, “Heal the sick…and tell them, ‘The Kingdom of God has come near you.’” (Luke 10:9)

Later in the chapter, these messengers returned to Jesus with joy because “even the demons submit to us in your name.” (vs. 17)

Their excitement overflowed because of what they’d been able to accomplish.  With the authority Jesus had given them, they were putting demons to flight, healing people who were sick, and bringing life to people in hopeless circumstances. 

That’s heavy duty results, to be sure.

Yet, Jesus cautioned them not to dwell on those top-notch accomplishments, but instead to remember who they were.

“…I have given you authority…over all the power of the enemy…However, don’t rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (vs. 19-20)

Jesus quickly realigned their focus back to their identity – who they were not what they did.

That’s a struggle for all of us daily, isn’t it?

The pressure to see ourselves as a “doer” and to measure ourselves by our daily checklists only skews our focus.  

Yes, we should all give 100% to whatever we set our hand to today – in our families, at our jobs, in our lives.  But, ultimately, who we are in Jesus (not what we do) is what matters most and is where our focus, attention, and joy should stay.

Is your name written in heaven?

Are you a child of the King?

Is He the Lord of your heart and life? 

Jesus wants our joy to come from our “yes” to these questions.

I’m praying today as you read this, dear friend, that you can sincerely rejoice because your name is written in heaven.

Until next time, Grace and Glory!