She's Not Your Enemy: Conquering Our Insecurities So We Can Build God's Kingdom TogetherSample

Where You Belong

The truth is, we were never meant to belong in this world. At least not as it is. When we understand this reality, we can live more freely, with our eyes on God, instead of what people think of us.

Jesus modeled this for us. Our Savior, the Son of God and most trustworthy friend, refused to let people define him. In John 12:42–43, people who believed in Jesus wouldn’t publicly support him, “for they loved human praise more than praise from God.” But when it came to Jesus, John 2:24–25 says that he didn’t entrust himself to people because he knew what was in their hearts.

As he prepared to go to the cross, Jesus told his disciples and all who would follow in their footsteps that we’re not to expect any kind of warm welcome from the world when we choose God above all. In the end, he set the example for us by being rejected by both his enemies and even some of his closest friends:

If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: “A servant is not greater than his master.” If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. (John 15:18–20)

We’re not meant to fit in with this world. But there is a place where we belong. It’s the kingdom of God.

You belong with the one who designed you and called you into being. That’s where you were always meant to be.

Going back to our passage in John 15, just ahead of the warning that the world will hate his disciples, Jesus gave the best news: we are branches of his vine, part of him (see verses 9-12).

We belong with Jesus. When we remain in him, we experience the truest joy. Our ultimate mission is to share this message of acceptance and belonging with those missing it.

What seed was planted in your heart that made you feel like you didn’t belong? Pray for God to redeem that seed and grow there instead a beautiful understanding of how you have always belonged to him.