Don’t Believe It – Day 23 – You Belong

You belong not because of what you have done, but because of whose you are.

— Henri Nouwen —

THE LIE

“I have to earn my place and prove my worth to belong.”

Reflection

Henri Nouwen was so spiritually wise. Every morning, I read his entry for the day from his book, “You Are the Beloved.”

His opening quote is a reminder that, as Christians, the work has already been done.

It doesn’t mean we do not strive to live lives pleasing to God…Malachi 6:8 reminds us to do right, seek mercy, and be humble. Living that way is simple but not always easy because the enemy is shouting in our ears through the world, “that isn’t enough.”


Striving for belonging is exhausting.

We perform, achieve, and reshape ourselves to earn a seat at the table.

The enemy loves that striving because as long as we’re trying to earn grace, we’ll never rest in it.

But God’s family is seated at His table differently; it’s not a reward for your performance; it’s a gift of His love.

Fact

You don’t have to earn your way in. You already belong.

Soul Search

Where do you most strive to earn belonging — at work, at home, at church? Ask God to show you one place where you can simply rest in His unconditional acceptance this week.


For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world… He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ. — Ephesians 1:4-5

P.E.A.C.E.

Jay@EagleLaunch.com

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