The world often tells us to “find ourselves”—to define who we are by success, relationships, appearance, or performance. But Scripture offers a radically different truth. In Colossians 3:3, we discover that our true identity is not found in what we do, but in where—and with whom—our life is hidden.

Scripture:
“For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.” — Colossians 3:3, NLT

Reflection:
This verse begins with a stark reality: you died. Paul is speaking of a spiritual death—the death of our old self, the person we were before we came to Christ. Just as Jesus died and rose again, so we too have been called into that same pattern. Death to sin. Death to striving. Death to self-rule.

But death is not the end—it’s the beginning of something far more glorious. “Your real life is hidden with Christ in God.” This is a statement loaded with security, intimacy, and mystery. Your life—your identity, your future, your value—is now wrapped up in Jesus. You are no longer exposed to the judgment your sin deserved. You are hidden, covered, and safe in Him.

The world may not see this reality. You may not always feel it. But the truth stands: your truest self is not the one shaped by culture or circumstances. It’s the one joined to Christ. And this “hidden” life is not a retreat from the world—it’s a calling to live from a place of security and grace.

Paul continues in verse 4: “And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.” What’s hidden now will one day be fully revealed. The quiet, daily faithfulness of following Jesus will be shown for what it truly is—glorious and eternal.

Application:
When you feel insecure, unseen, or uncertain about who you are, remember this: your life is hidden with Christ. You are not defined by your past, your failures, or your achievements. You are secure in the One who died and rose for you. Live from that truth. Let it give you courage to let go of what no longer fits your identity in Him.

References:
“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” — 2 Corinthians 5:17, NLT
“Set your sights on the realities of heaven… Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.” — Colossians 3:1–2, NLT

Prayer:
Father, thank You that my life is hidden with Christ in You. When I’m tempted to define myself by what I do or what others think, remind me of who I truly am—loved, secure, and made new in Jesus. Help me live each day from that identity. Keep me grounded in grace, and focused on the things that matter most. Amen.