Where do children turn to for an understanding of their identities today? Where are they getting the answers of who and what makes them what they are today? They are asking as teens, what am here for anyway? These past few weeks, we have again been reminded of the hopeless state some of our youth are experiencing as they turn to suicide as the answer to their dilemmas. I recently went with my wife to see the movie "JUDY", written to show the life of a star, the movie star, Judy Garland. The story of her life and the results of an identity misplaced were alarming and very sad. Life with out Christ is truly a dead-end adventure no matter the amount of success. Here was a beautiful young girl who was so talented and so used. She was such a hard worker and poured her life and soul into the entertainment business and performing. Highly recognized and applauded, she struggled with identity. So very sad and very dark moments in a life with so much promise. This got me thinking about the precious gift God has given to us who know Him. Our identity in Christ. But what is happening to our next generation that is now being raised by parents, and often even grandparents, with absolutely no understanding of this or worst yet, an antagonistic attitude to any identity in Christ. Over our lives, we each develop our identity; it is shaped by the people we associate with, individual experiences, media, video games school teachers and relationships. We as adults feel the pressure to define ourselves through our jobs, financial status, successes or failures, and through external issues. Many of the children today have grown up watching adults chase material dreams that took top priority in their lives. They can see hollow living everywhere and seek the reason God defines success for everyone and gives purpose to those who believe on Him. The apostle Paul in Ephesians 1-2 expresses in mighty Words the identity we receive when we believe and trust Christ. In the movie "Overcomers", the young star made a habit of writing out terms of her new identity in her journal – if you have not yet done this, may I encourage you to do so, it will encourage your heart! Ephesians 1:3 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.” You have a new identity in Christ: the life of a child is secure in Christ once they come to identify with Christ’s death, burial and resurrection. Look at this list and think about your child, especially if they are moving into their teen years. This is why Beth and I take the call God has placed on our lives to evangelize, disciple, and establish the children and their families in the local churches to grow. When you take a moment and look into the eyes with no identity in Jesus, you too will be struck with the hopeless and deep pain in the lives of many. This too may drive you as it has driven us to reach the next generation for Christ. Learn more at www.cefonline.com and www.bbexcellentadventure.com Identity changes the way you live, work and play. Think about your children and someday their children, as you read through this short and power filled list. o You are His own special possession. (1 Peter 2:9, Deuteronomy 14:2) o You are chosen, handpicked by the God who created the universe. (1 Peter 2:9, Jeremiah 1:5, Ephesians 1:3-4) o You are treasured. (Deuteronomy 7:6 14:2, 26:18) o You are irreplaceable. (1 Thessalonians 1:4) o You are loved beyond compare. (1 John 4:19, 4:10, 3:16, Romans 5:8, 8:35-39) o You are worth dying for. (1 John 3:16, Romans 5:7-9) o You are forgiven. (Ephesians 1:7, 1 John 1:9, Romans 8:1, 33-39) o You are His child. (1 John 3:1, Galatians 3:26) o You are secured for all eternity. (2 Corinthians 1:22, John 10:28-29) o You are set free. (Romans 6:18, Galatians 5:1) o You are precious to Him. (Isaiah 43:4)