04/23/2026
The middle school years can be an especially anxious stage of life. During this time, young people transition from childhood into young adulthood and begin to wrestle with who they are, what they are good at, and what direction they want their lives to go. In other words, they spend a lot of time thinking about their identity.
For this reason, I am especially thankful for our Christian school and the Biblical guidance we are able to provide at such a formative time. One of the most important truths we share each day is that our identity and value are found in this: we are purposefully created and dearly loved children of God.
If our sense of security and contentment is based on anything else, our souls will never find lasting rest. Instead, we will often feel anxious and guarded.
For example, if my identity is rooted in my athletic abilities, then my confidence becomes a roller coaster based on my most recent performance. Some days I succeed, but many days I fall short. Even after success, the pressure returns—can I do it again? If I see myself primarily as an athlete, then poor performance, criticism, or finding someone more skilled than me will shake my sense of identity to the core.
This is not just true in athletics. The same thing happens when we build our identity on our work, our parenting, or our academic success. When our identity is tied to temporary earthly things, we will feel like we always have something to prove and something to lose. This leaves us constantly on edge and unable to find contentment.
There’s only one way to find security, peace, and contentment for our lives. Those things can only be found if we have nothing to lose. Be convinced, dearly loved Child of God, that you truly have nothing to lose! Nothing you can do can make God love you any more or any less. You already have the highest status in the eyes of God - you are loved, forgiven, and secure for eternity through the redeeming work of Jesus!
When our identity rests in Jesus, we no longer have to play the game of constantly proving ourselves. Jesus gives us a different way to live—one marked by lasting peace and contentment that nothing in this world can ever offer.
Dearly loved Child of God, Jesus has already secured the victory over sin, death, and the devil for you. You have nothing left to prove. Find your ultimate identity in Jesus and let your soul find rest in your Savior.
Galatians 3:26-27 “So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.”
- Principal Brad Gurgel
