Settled

Today, we're diving into the profound topic of living from the image of God and how the impressions we allow from people and situations can distort our true identity. We explore the idea that many of us carry images shaped by past experiences, whether they be traumatic or simply misleading, which can leave us feeling devalued. Using the playful metaphor of Silly Putty, we discuss how these impressions can stick to our hearts and influence our perceptions of self-worth. Together, we reflect on the importance of recognizing these false images and returning to the truth of who we are as image bearers of God. Join us as we unpack this journey of peeling away the misleading layers and embracing our true selves in Christ.

Resources:

Settled Conference - Aug. 27-28, 2026

For Updates on Jason's Journey: settledco.com/jason

Reclaim What's Real 5-Day Jouney

Settled Design Course

Free 30 Minute Biblical Counseling Session

Linktree - https://linktr.ee/settledco

Connect with us:

Website - https://settledco.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/settled.co/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552836102590

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@settledpodcast

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/settledco/

Takeaways:

• We need to be cautious of the images we allow others to impress upon us, as they can distort our true identity in God.
• Our childhood experiences shape our beliefs about ourselves, often leading to feelings of inadequacy and unworthiness that aren't rooted in truth.
• Understanding our worth as bearers of God's image allows us to reject lies and reclaim our identity in Christ, reminding us of our inherent value.
• As we navigate life, it's essential to discern the voices that shape our perceptions, seeking God's truth to redefine our self-image and purpose.

Mentioned in this episode:

Supporting Us Through This Journey

As many of you know, Jason was recently diagnosed with stage four stomach cancer. If you'd like to support him and this podcast financially, you can donate using this link. All gifts are tax-deductible. Learn more at settledco.com/jason.

Donate

Settled Conference - Aug. 27-28 | Grapevine, TX

Feeling weary from carrying the weight of caring for others? The Settled Conference is two intentional days to slow down, hear God's voice, experience healing, and return to the settled identity that's always been yours. Reserve your seat now using the link below.

Today, we're diving deep into the idea of occupying our true selves in Christ and understanding ourselves as a territory, a land filled with dreams, disappointments, and hopes. We explore how every person is like a universe of experiences, and how the kingdom of God resides within us, waiting to be discovered. Yep, that’s right—just like the tasty meatballs we enjoyed at IKEA, there's a richness inside us that’s both profound and deliciously complex! We'll get into how our internal world can sometimes feel chaotic, and how we often give external forces too much power over our identity. Ultimately, we’re inviting you to engage with God and explore the beautiful reality of who you really are—because the journey of self-discovery is not just about understanding ourselves, but about realizing the treasure that God sees within us. So, grab that cup of coffee, settle in, and let’s uncover the truth together!

Resources:

Settled Conference - Aug. 27-28, 2026

For Updates on Jason's Journey: settledco.com/jason

Reclaim What's Real 5-Day Jouney

Settled Design Course

Free 30 Minute Biblical Counseling Session

Linktree - https://linktr.ee/settledco

Connect with us:

Website - https://settledco.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/settled.co/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552836102590

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@settledpodcast

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/settledco/

Show Notes:

In this engaging episode, we tackle the intricate relationship between our identities and our faith in Christ. After a light-hearted introduction featuring our family's IKEA trip, we find ourselves contemplating the profound nature of the human experience while enjoying those famous meatballs. This seemingly mundane moment sparks a discussion about the deep stories and complexities that each individual embodies. We draw on biblical metaphors, particularly the idea of being a promised land, to illustrate how each of us is called to occupy our true selves. The conversation highlights the importance of the internal kingdom that resides within us, as emphasized by Jesus in Luke 17:21. We explore the concept of dominion, referencing the creation narrative where humanity is given authority over the earth, and how this pertains to our personal lives. Through humor and heartfelt discussion, we address the challenges of maintaining our identities amidst societal pressures and the metaphorical 'squatters' that may inhabit our inner territories. The episode encourages listeners to reflect on their own journeys, inviting them to engage with God in revealing their true selves, and to embrace the invitation to occupy the beautiful land of who they are in Christ. As we conclude, we leave our audience with a challenge to actively participate in this internal exploration and to reclaim the dominion that God has given them.

Takeaways:

• We discussed how our identities are like territories that we need to occupy fully and embrace.
• The metaphor of being a promised land helps us understand our spiritual journey of self-discovery and growth in Christ.
• There’s power in understanding that we are bigger on the inside than we appear externally; our inner reality holds treasures.
• We have the ability to choose what we agree with, whether it’s truth or lies, impacting our identity and dominion over ourselves.

Mentioned in this episode:

Reclaim What's Real 5-Day Journey

This FREE 5-day journey helps you silence the noise, reconnect with your soul, and rediscover the presence of God already dwelling within you. Reclaim your inner world, confront false voices, and discover the Kingdom of God within.

Reclaim What's Real 5-Day Jouney

Settled Conference - Aug. 27-28 | Grapevine, TX

Feeling weary from carrying the weight of caring for others? The Settled Conference is two intentional days to slow down, hear God's voice, experience healing, and return to the settled identity that's always been yours. Reserve your seat now using the link below.

We're kicking off our Original Design Series. In this episode, we’re diving deep into what it truly means to sit down inside ourselves and operate from our original design in Christ. We’ll unpack how so many of us have been conditioned to focus on what we do rather than who we are, often letting the narrative of humanity's fall overshadow God’s original intent for us. It’s a refreshing perspective that invites us to embrace rest as our starting point, rather than a reward for our efforts. We’ll explore the garden language that illustrates our identity as image bearers and how that plays into our daily lives and relationships. Join us as we challenge the hustle mentality and encourage a posture of trust and rest, allowing ourselves to be filled and overflow into the lives of those around us.

Resources:

Settled Conference - Aug. 27-28, 2026

For Updates on Jason's Journey: settledco.com/jason

Reclaim What's Real 5-Day Jouney

Settled Design Course

Free 30 Minute Biblical Counseling Session

Linktree - https://linktr.ee/settledco

Connect with us:

Website - https://settledco.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/settled.co/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552836102590

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@settledpodcast

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/settledco/

Show Notes

In this engaging episode, we are led through a reflective journey about our original design and the significance of resting in our identity as creations of God. Elizabeth and Jason Settle articulate the often-overlooked truth that humanity was created in a state of rest, drawing from the creation narrative in Genesis. They emphasize that our first day as humans was not spent in toil but in enjoying the fullness of what God had created. This foundational understanding invites us to reconsider how we approach our lives, particularly in a culture that prizes busyness and productivity over stillness and being.

The discussion transitions into the implications of viewing ourselves through the lens of our original design versus the narrative of original sin. Elizabeth and Jason share personal stories that illustrate how easily we fall into the trap of equating our worth with our performance. By recognizing that we are designed for relationship and rest, we can shift our mindset from one of striving to one of receiving God's grace. They encourage listeners to cultivate a posture of surrender, which allows us to experience true rest and trust in God’s provision.

As the episode unfolds, the hosts engage listeners in a guided reflection, inviting them to 'sit down' in their inner selves and connect with God on a deeper level. This practice serves as a powerful reminder that rest is not merely the absence of work but a state of being where we can engage in the fullness of life God intends for us. The conversation beautifully weaves together scriptural insights, personal anecdotes, and practical applications, leaving the audience with a renewed sense of purpose and the understanding that they are invited to live from a place of rest, reflecting the heart of God in their daily lives.

Takeaways:

• In our journey with the Lord, we often focus on original sin rather than our original design in Christ.
• Living from a place of rest requires us to relinquish control and trust God's plan for us.
• Our first day as humanity was a day of rest, emphasizing that we were created for relationship, not just work.
• To truly occupy our true selves, we must learn to sit down inside ourselves and trust in God's presence.

Mentioned in this episode:

Supporting Us Through This Journey

As many of you know, Jason was recently diagnosed with stage four stomach cancer. If you'd like to support him and this podcast financially, you can donate using this link. All gifts are tax-deductible. Learn more at settledco.com/jason.

Donate

Settled Conference - Aug. 27-28 | Grapevine, TX

Feeling weary from carrying the weight of caring for others? The Settled Conference is two intentional days to slow down, hear God's voice, experience healing, and return to the settled identity that's always been yours. Reserve your seat now using the link below.

This podcast episode elucidates the notion that incessant striving to improve oneself often proves fruitless, as evidenced by our discussion surrounding the concept of the "try harder solution." We delve into the detrimental effects of relying on sheer effort without addressing the underlying issues of the heart, ultimately revealing that true transformation stems from a profound connection with God rather than mere self-discipline. Through personal anecdotes, we illustrate the futility of attempting to rectify life’s challenges through superficial means, drawing parallels to a childhood experience with improper cleaning solutions. Our conversation underscores the importance of embracing a new identity as children of God, which liberates us from the burdens of performance and invites us to rest in divine love. We invite listeners to reflect on their own experiences and consider what it means to live authentically, guided by the heart rather than relentless effort.

Resources:

Settled Conference - Aug. 27-28, 2026

For Updates on Jason's Journey: settledco.com/jason

Reclaim What's Real 5-Day Jouney

Settled Design Course

Free 30 Minute Biblical Counseling Session

Linktree - https://linktr.ee/settledco

Connect with us:

Website - https://settledco.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/settled.co/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552836102590

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@settledpodcast

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/settledco/

In an engaging dialogue, Jason and Elizabeth Settle delve into the complexities of human striving, particularly the pervasive notion that one must 'try harder' to effect change in their lives. They introduce a personal narrative that encapsulates this struggle, recounting a childhood incident involving a cleaning mishap that serves as an allegory for the futility of applying effort without the right understanding. This story illustrates how misguided attempts to address problems can lead to exacerbated difficulties, prompting listeners to reflect on their own experiences with ineffective solutions.

The conversation evolves to underscore the significance of approaching life's challenges from a heart-centered perspective rather than a strength-driven one. Drawing from biblical scripture, the speakers emphasize the foundational commandment of loving God with one's heart, soul, mind, and strength. They argue that genuine transformation stems from a heart aligned with divine love, rather than from relentless effort. This shift in focus invites listeners to reconsider their self-perceptions and the ways in which they engage with God and themselves, fostering a deeper understanding of their worth as children of God.

As the episode concludes, the speakers impart a vital message of liberation from the burdensome cycle of striving. They advocate for a life characterized by rest and acceptance, encouraging listeners to embrace their identities as beloved children of God. By relinquishing the pressure to perform and instead receiving love, individuals can cultivate a more authentic and fulfilling spiritual journey, marked by trust and peace rather than anxiety and striving. This enlightening discussion serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of grace in the pursuit of a meaningful life.

Takeaways:

• The podcast emphasizes the importance of recognizing our identity as children of God, which offers a profound sense of freedom and acceptance.
• Listeners are encouraged to explore the idea that striving and effort alone often lead to frustration, and that true transformation comes from a heart-centered approach.
• Jason and Elizabeth share personal anecdotes to illustrate how the common tendency to 'try harder' can be counterproductive in achieving personal growth and spiritual fulfillment.
• A key theme of the episode is the necessity of engaging with God to understand the true nature of our hearts and to embrace our new identity in Christ.
• The hosts discuss how many individuals mistakenly reach for ineffective solutions in their lives, believing that increased effort will yield better outcomes.
• The podcast concludes with an invitation for listeners to reflect on their own lives and to seek God's guidance in identifying the true solutions to their struggles.

Mentioned in this episode:

Settled Conference - Aug. 27-28 | Grapevine, TX

Feeling weary from carrying the weight of caring for others? The Settled Conference is two intentional days to slow down, hear God's voice, experience healing, and return to the settled identity that's always been yours. Reserve your seat now using the link below.

Reclaim What's Real 5-Day Journey

This FREE 5-day journey helps you silence the noise, reconnect with your soul, and rediscover the presence of God already dwelling within you. Reclaim your inner world, confront false voices, and discover the Kingdom of God within.

Reclaim What's Real 5-Day Jouney

You’re trying hard to do all the right things, but deep down you’re still exhausted, disconnected, and wondering if closeness with God is always going to feel just out of reach. In each episode, Jason & Elizabeth have raw, story-driven conversations to help you rest in the reconciled person you already are in Christ. We’ll include space to slow down, listen, and encounter God right where you are. Are you ready to stop striving, start hearing God in the moment, and occupy your true self? This show is for anyone craving freedom, wholeness, and a settled identity.

Connect with us:

Website - https://settledco.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/settled.co/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552836102590

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@settledpodcast

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/settledco/