The apostle Paul was the epitome of a devout first-century Jew. His Jewish heritage was obvious and his zeal for the law was unmatched, but that was not the source of his confidence. All of those things were nothing in comparison to knowing Christ. His connection to Christ through the Gospel was the source of His identity and joy – “for [Christians] are the circumcision, the ones who worship by the Spirit of God, boast in Christ, and do not put confidence in the flesh” (v. 3). His confidence as a member of the covenant family of God – the true circumcision – was not his biological or religious background, but the Gospel.

What is your confidence in God’s family? Is it that you have believing parents, that you attend a great church, or that you have been a leader among your peers? These things cannot be the foundation of our identity or confidence. Rather, our only boast is that we belong to Jesus by faith. If you don’t have generational faith or religious accolades, take heart. Your confidence is found in your union with Christ. He is the source of your esteem, so lift your head. You are “the circumcision, the ones who worship by the Spirit of God, boast in Christ, and do not put confidence in the flesh” (v. 3).

• How can we overcome the tendency to put our identity in our past successes or failures?