It seems that just about everyone these days is looking for something or someone to be identified with--something that's in, something of value, something bigger than life.

T-shirts and jeans sporting Nike® and other designer logos are everywhere, from Moscow to Mumbai and Tallahassee to Timbuktu. Teenagers and twenty-somethings imitate the dress, attitudes, and language of their favorite rock or film stars, while their parents slave and save for their dream house or the car that's "really them." Passions reach a fever pitch and much of the world goes on hold for events such as the World Cup. Sports stars become international icons, and professional sports gear and memorabilia is a multibillion dollar industry.

Against this backdrop, isn't it strange--and sad--that so few people seem to want to be identified with the One who is truly The Greatest? Just look at all Jesus is and has to offer: He was with God at Creation, and "all things were made through Him. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men" (John 1:3-4). Now that's big! He took our sins upon Himself and died for us, so we can live forever in Heaven. No one else could do that! He gives real meaning and purpose to life. Who else can do that? And He loves each of us personally, no matter what. What could be better than that?

Who or what do you want others to identify you with? Why be a walking advertisement for some marketing mogul or momentary superstar when you can stand up and be counted with the One who really counts? We hope this issue of Activated will inspire you to do just that.

Keith Phillips
For the Activated family