When Results Feel Like Identity
You are not your score.
For anyone whose worth rises and falls with a number.
The big idea
A result can measure your work. It was never able to measure you.
What does “When Results Feel Like Identity” walk through?
Loved Before Achieving
Romans 5:8 · KJV
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
In plain English
But God shows his love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
The Order Matters
God's love arrived while we were at our worst, which means it was never a response to performance. If it did not start with your results, it does not end with them either.
Made, Not Earned
Psalms 139:14 · KJV
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
In plain English
I praise you, because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful — I know that full well.
“A number can tell you how one attempt went. It has never once told you who you are.”
He Finishes What He Starts
Philippians 1:6 · KJV
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
In plain English
I am sure of this: the one who began a good work in you will carry it through to completion.
Unfinished Is Not Failed
You are mid-sentence. God is described as the one who completes what he began, which means today's number is not the verdict on your life.
Pray
Jesus, I have been letting a number tell me what I am worth. Tell me the truth instead. Amen.
Write it down
What number have you let define you that was only ever a measurement?
You are not a number
Do the work. Just stop letting it decide your value.
Which passages does this journey use?
3 passages, drawn from Romans 5:8, Psalms 139:14, Philippians 1:6. Every verse appears here in the King James text with a plain-English line beside it, so you can read it without a commentary open. Allow about 6 minutes for the whole thing, or 7 short sittings.
- Romans 5:8
- Psalms 139:14
- Philippians 1:6
Read any of these in full on the complete KJV, or look the wording up independently at Blue Letter Bible.
More in Work, Ambition and Calling
All Work, Ambition and Calling →The Work In Front Of You
Ordinary effort, offered up.
The Night Before Something Big
Prayer for the hours you cannot control.
Choosing What's Next
Guidance when there is no obvious answer.
Your First Job
Character when nobody is watching.
Working For An Audience Of One
When effort goes unnoticed.
When You're The Youngest In The Room
Age is not the same as authority.