Losing things is part of life. It happens with keys, wallets, phones, etc. But what about losing yourself? That question sits at the heart of Pastor Mike McClure Jr.'s sermon, "Don't Lose You," from August 2024. His message challenges listeners to reflect on their identity and what might be pulling them away from it.
When Identity Slips Away
Pastor McClure starts by pointing out how easy it is to misplace physical things and parts of who we are. Responsibilities, expectations, and struggles can cause people to drift from their true selves. He clarifies that while losing material possessions is frustrating, losing sight of your identity is a much deeper issue.
The sermon calls for self-awareness. It is easy to get caught up in what others want, how they see you, or what life demands. Without realizing it, you can wake up one day and feel like a stranger to yourself. That is why Pastor McClure emphasizes remembering who you are, not just recalling but actively putting the pieces back together.
The Power of Remembering Yourself
The word "remember" carries weight in this sermon. Pastor McClure explains that remembering is not just about looking back but about restoring what has been lost. Sometimes, life pulls people in so many directions that they forget who God created them to be. He urges listeners to reflect, reconnect, and recover their sense of self.
The Problem of Idolatry
A major theme in the message is idolatry. Pastor McClure expands the definition beyond traditional forms of idol worship. Idolatry is not just about golden statues or ancient practices; it is about anything that takes up more space in your heart than God. Misplaced devotion leads to dissatisfaction, whether it is success, relationships, status, or even personal ambition. People feel empty when their identity is built on things that do not last.
He warns against allowing external things to define worth. When validation comes from others instead of God, identity starts to slip. The solution is to realign priorities and recognize that true fulfillment comes from a relationship with God, not achievements or approval.
The Dangers of People-Pleasing
Another decisive point in the sermon is the issue of people-pleasing. Many live their lives trying to meet expectations, seeking approval, or avoiding conflict. Pastor McClure calls this out as a form of self-betrayal. When people bend to fit the mold others create, they lose touch with who they are.
The message is clear: God never intended for people to live according to someone else's script. Seeking affirmation from people will never be enough because human approval is temporary and ever-changing. Instead, he challenges listeners to find security in God's unshakable plan.
Strength Through Struggles
Pastor McClure reminds the audience that struggles are not just obstacles but opportunities. Hard seasons can push people toward rediscovering their true selves. Growth often comes through difficulty, and those moments of feeling lost can lead to a deeper understanding of purpose.
He encourages listeners not to see their struggles as setbacks but as setups for something greater. Instead of allowing challenges to define them, they should use those experiences to reconnect with their true identity.
Breaking Free from Performance-Based Relationships
A particularly striking part of the sermon focuses on relationships based on performance. Pastor McClure highlights how love, acceptance, and validation are often given conditionally. Many find themselves in relationships where they need to earn affection or prove their worth.
He says this is exhausting and unsustainable. Love and acceptance should not be tied to performance. True relationships, whether with people or with God, should be built on genuine connection, not on meeting a list of expectations.
God's Plan is Still Unfolding
Pastor McClure closes with a powerful reminder. God sees and cares for every individual, even when they feel unseen. He reassures listeners that God is still at work even in seasons of feeling overlooked or forgotten. What seems like a delay is often preparation for something greater.
Applying the Message
Hearing this sermon sparks reflection. Have we lost parts of ourselves in pursuing success, approval, or relationships? Have we unknowingly placed our worth in things we will never fully satisfy? These are the questions Pastor McClure's message invites us to ask.
The call to action is simple but powerful: Reclaim identity, let go of what is not serving God's purpose, and stop trying to fit into spaces that were never meant for you. Most importantly, trust God has a plan, even when the road ahead is unclear.
Final Thoughts
"Don't Lose You" is a sermon that speaks to the heart of what it means to live with authenticity. Pastor Mike McClure Jr. reminds listeners that identity is not something to be earned but something to be embraced. The distractions of life, the weight of expectations, and the pursuit of success can make it easy to forget who we are, but God never does.
For those who feel lost or disconnected, this sermon is an invitation to return to what matters. Watch the full message below and reflect on what parts of your identity need to be restored.
