Endorsements
"The natural inclination of the human heart is to seek meaning, purpose, and identity in ways that diminish us more than they build us up. As the old adage goes, we are "barking up the wrong tree." In the end, none of these things will deliver on the promises they make to us. Meanwhile, the Lord says to us, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." And it is from that place of rest that he heals us with reminders that his love is fixed, that there is nothing we can do to lose it, and that our identity is "beloved daughters and sons." It turns out, as Daniel reminds us so effectively in this book, that we aren't what we do. Rather, we are who God says we are, and that is more than enough."
Scott Sauls,
senior pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church and author of several books, including Jesus Outside the Lines and Irresistible Faith
Daniel Im is one of our generation’s innovative and strategic thinkers, one of God’s gifts to the Kingdom in our era. In a culture that is transfixed with the power of helping ourselves, this book offers a different alternative — one rooted in the imago dei and the gospel. This is a helpful, thoughtful, inspiring book with a timely message.
J.D. Greear,
Pastor, The Summit Church, Durham, NC and Author, Above All
"It's not just technology and culture that's changing; technology and culture are changing us, too. In You Are What You Do, Daniel Im unpacks some important lies about who we are, our true identity, and where our value comes from. Getting the truth right now is one of the most important things you can do to get ready for the future."
Carey Nieuwhof,
founding pastor, Connexus Church and author, Didn't See It Coming
"This book will hit close to home. Daniel Im's incisive cultural analysis is more than a big-picture overview of massive structural shifts. It's an unflinching look at the way those shifts have changed our perception of ourselves, the world, and God. And his answer to these shifts is, thankfully, full of grace and truth. You Are What You Do is both a brutal excavation of our deepest assumptions and a healing balm for what ails us. I needed this book, and it came at just the right moment."
Richard Clark,
podcast producer, host, and manager with Christianity Today
"While these lies might seem harmless, I've seen the destruction and chaos that ensues when you live according to them. So do yourself a favor and read this book—not just for your sake, but for the health of everyone around you."
Ed Stetzer,
Wheaton College
"In this book Daniel Im gives us a helpful and timely reminder of the joy that comes from living in response to already being approved, already belonging, and already being loved because of the good news of Jesus. We don't have to achieve our identity; we can happily receive from the only One who can truly satisfy us."
Eric Geiger,
senior pastor, Mariners Church
"Hustling...side gigging...cross-fitting? Finding meaning in what you do or own or who you know? Minus the cross-fitting, this book felt like it was written just for me. Resist the lies and follow Christ. Daniel Im nailed it in You Are What You Do: And Six Other Lies About Work, Life, and Love."
Scarlet Hiltibidal,
author of Afraid of All the Things
"You Are What You Do: And Six Other Lies about Work, Life, and Love is a bold book that powerfully tells you the truth about yourself. Daniel Im has identified the most common lies we tell ourselves, explains the unspeakable damage they do, and counters them with the truth that God speaks to us. If you have ever felt defeated, stuck, or afraid—this book can set you free!"
Dave Ferguson,
Author of Hero Maker: Five Essential Practices for Leaders to Multiply Leaders
"Daniel's writing is an important message for anyone who is struggling to identify where their worth comes from. In a culture that places so much importance on productivity, experience, and success, Im reminds us that our identity is found in Jesus’ life-giving sacrifice on the cross. That’s a message I’ll never get tired of hearing!"
Jonathan "JP" Pokluda,
author of Welcome to Adulting and lead pastor of Harris Creek in Waco, TX
"Daniel has penned a unique view of the world and some of our common responses to it. In doing so, he exposes some lies which can easily distract all of us and then helps us with a proper and biblical perspective to address them. This book is a much-needed pause and a reminder of what matters most in life. I highly recommend it."
Ron Edmondson,
CEO, Leadership Network, author of The Mythical Leader
"Daniel Im’s newest book, You Are What You Do, is a powerful tool for addressing how today’s complex society can leave us misdirected, unfulfilled and shamed—even when we appear successful! Weaving together current research, personal vulnerability and fresh insights from Scripture, this book is a refreshing and hopeful message for all generations. I will be handing this book out a lot!"