Daily Reading
Son of the Living God
June 17, 2023
The book "Killing Lions" is a conversation between John and Sam Eldredge about the trials young men face.
A man whose identity flows out of deep validation doesn’t wilt under criticism. He enjoys applause when it comes but frankly isn’t desperate for it. He can walk away from work at five o’clock; he doesn’t measure his success by how much money he makes. We grow into this man, to be sure; I’m not setting a new standard of perfection. But what I am describing is not out of reach, not for any man.
We must ask God what he thinks of us. That famished craving for love and validation must be spoken to in a defining way—like he did for you. This is one of the places where Christianity really shines. God steps into the picture to help set us on a firmer foundation than the scripts we’ve bought into. He tells us to put off the “old man” and put on the new. He calls us his sons. He assures us we are deeply loved and chosen. Let those facts sink into your heart, and it will set you free. Really—spend a single day holding on to, “I am a son of the living God. I am chosen. I am deeply loved.” You will feel things shifting deep inside.
Want more? Order your copy of Killing Lions today.
A man whose identity flows out of deep validation doesn’t wilt under criticism. He enjoys applause when it comes but frankly isn’t desperate for it. He can walk away from work at five o’clock; he doesn’t measure his success by how much money he makes. We grow into this man, to be sure; I’m not setting a new standard of perfection. But what I am describing is not out of reach, not for any man.
We must ask God what he thinks of us. That famished craving for love and validation must be spoken to in a defining way—like he did for you. This is one of the places where Christianity really shines. God steps into the picture to help set us on a firmer foundation than the scripts we’ve bought into. He tells us to put off the “old man” and put on the new. He calls us his sons. He assures us we are deeply loved and chosen. Let those facts sink into your heart, and it will set you free. Really—spend a single day holding on to, “I am a son of the living God. I am chosen. I am deeply loved.” You will feel things shifting deep inside.
Want more? Order your copy of Killing Lions today.