In the NSW final Higher School Certificate, an entire area of study in the English syllabus is “Belonging” so that students can explore the importance of identity through texts. “Belonging” is an important concept to grasp because it is linked to higher academic achievement, emotional and physical wellbeing. Without this secure sense of belonging, life loses meaning and we suffer with depression and poor health.
Jesus has invited us into his belonging. -- a message that is shouted from every page of the Bible. From the start of the Bible we were created in His image to be in perfect union with God and to belong to Him (Genesis 1:26). Although this intimacy was lost through sin, Jesus became man to bring us back into belonging (Rom. 1:6).
We belong to Jesus through being chosen, given to Jesus, created for Him and purchased by Him:
1. election – “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will” (Eph. 1:4-5).
2. donation – “All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away” (John 6:37).
3. creation – “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him” (Col. 1:16).
4. redemption – “For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect” (1 Pet. 1:18-19).
When we belong to Jesus we can expect to experience higher levels of wellbeing. We are at peace with ourselves and can expect to live the full, rich and satisfying life that Jesus promised (John 10:10).
We can be optimistic, believing that God loves us in all our uniqueness, has a purpose for our life and wants the best for us and that He wants to bless us.
We are forgiven. When we mess up God is ever-willing to forgive us and we don’t need to live in guilt and condemnation.
Because God wants to protect you, you need never feel fearful ever again. All our worries we can hand over to God.
In short, belonging to Jesus brings untold blessings to us.
(All quotes are from the NIV).