As children most of us discover the harder we work, the more the benefits. So as adults we feel the need to work. And more people could benefit from a good work ethic. But as Christians we may say to ourselves “it may have been necessary to respond with the work ethic to life’s challenges as a child but now I want to explore, by faith, new ways to follow Christ.” So often we work for and pray for what we already have “in Christ.” In the book of Ephesians, especially the first couple of chapters, we will learn that our identity “in Christ” is foundational to be a maturing Christian. By faith we’re joined with Christ in his death and resurrection. When we focus on rules, we may think rules give us power. But when we focus on our identity “in Christ” we find supernatural power. I hope to show, for most of us, how our obedience crisis is an identity crisis. For example we cringe at the idea of being a “saint” yet we are saints “in Christ.” Sixty-two times the scripture affirms this new relationship. So if I’m a saint, why do I have difficulty in doing right? If you focus on your ability to obey, you will have only partial success. Instead focus on Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit who works within you. The better our identity “in Christ,” the more faithfully we follow Christ.