Our self-esteem as humans does not come from how hard we work, where we are from, what we produce, or how capable we are of any activity, even though it seems we work hard to create that. Our self-worth comes only from the fact, as God’s good creatures, we are loved and known by Him.
The Psalmist wrote, “For You created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:13-14).
Who and what we can become is, at best, unattainable by us, in that we can’t do anything to deserve it or earn it. Instead, it was graciously given to us by God, if we so choose to receive it. How do we even begin to fathom this? The fact is, we cannot, but we can accept it – and that is the great news of the Gospel.
See, here’s the deal, we cannot escape the rat-race of achievement and competence, regardless of how hard we try. It is ever around us, and in many ways, in us, because of the very nature of being birthed and raised within this country. However, when I learn to still myself, as much as I can, and daily embrace the joy and privilege to receive His love, and then give that love to others, I am moving in the righteous direction of grasping this great gift.
For me, I’m still learning how to sort this out. It is easy for me to drift into trying to appease God by my doing. But I’m growing deeper and less dependent upon that, as I become more aware of it. I still have a lot of dying to do – that is, dying of myself. But being aware of that, and daily confessing it to Him, I am growing closer, and less needing to be validated by others.
Allow me to offer the best place to start – with Jesus. When we take the time, to stop, and remember why we surrendered our life to Him in the first place, we’re in a good place. But then, do the righteous thing. Let His Word take root in your heart. In other words, do what it says, be obedient to It’s instruction. Also, surround yourself with others, who have that same desire.
Doing these three things will begin to grow your faith in the ways that God has purposed and planned for your life.
