And there wasn't a more incorrect statement on this blog.
Hi people.
For avoidance of doubt, this post is to tackle the mentality that prompts people to make such statements as the one in the post title. Now you could call this a pep talk, or just categorize it with all the other severally repeated self-esteem booster wall papers and quotes all over the place. #Shrug. That all depends on you. For me, I just believe it would do more good than hurt to re-emphasize on a truth that has been there for much longer than many of us have lived. There are actually some who might be getting to know about this for the first time so - all the better!
Before I begin belting out scriptures, I'd just like to find out if there's anyone who's ever struggled (or is struggling) with esteem issues, feelings of worthlessness or lacking direction, etc. before? Obviously you can't exactly answer me now (unless you'd like to comment a response, lol) but i'm almost certain that each one of us have at least one scenario or life experience that just popped up in our minds when we read that question. It isn't strange you know. Every day we meet with or pass by people who are really going through some deep trials as a result of what they have been made to believe is truth concerning themselves, their lives, their experiences, their circumstances, or the ways their minds have been conditioned to view things generally. We've all grown up in different settings, have distinctly unique life experiences and have come to form our various mental concepts on many things. Concepts often influenced by our environments and those we often let become truth's definition.
The big question is, what makes one definition truth and the other a lie?
For me, the answer to that is simple. ANYTHING that - whether expressly or subtly - contradicts, negates, belittles, dismisses, negates or denies, the truth of the written word of God (aka The Bible) is the lie. That's all.
Basically, any line of thought, theory, concept or law, that is not built on sound doctrine isn't worth paying much attention to. All that they really end up doing is confusing a person, sending one on a wild goose chase for something that isn't available anywhere else but in Christ! Because if you've got Christ, YOU HAVE ALL THAT YOU NEED. Money isn't going to fix your problems nor help you put your self-concept in order, neither is yoga, psychology, romance, money, sex, fame, work, science, drugs, booze, power, a family, children, travelling, donating to charity, hustling, partying non-stop, the media, murder, music, suicide, or whatever else this world has at one time or the other postulated as the 'cure' to the different challenges we face everyday or throughout our lives.
Let's briefly look at the following scriptures:
-> Genesis 1:27 - So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created he him; male and female created he them.
* Obviously, God does not suck. Making us in His image means he made us after His awesome and perfect self. Sure we mess up and play the fools on many occasions, but that isn't us depicting our father's nature. In fact, when we sin we are deviating from who we really are and that's why everything within and without seem to get more and more messed up the farther we turn away from righteousness. They who have professed Christ Jesus as their Lord have left the rat-race of striving to live life to please the fake, oh-so-temporary self (the flesh). Once you become a member of God's Kingdom, you're translated from all that darkness and ignorance into His glorious light. Now all the focus is on Him; letting Him teach you, letting Him change you, letting Him lead and shape you to be a 100% accurate representation of His glory in ALL aspects.
-> Isaiah 43:7 - Even every one that is called by my name for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him yea, I have made him.
* Being called by His name distinguishes us from the rest of the world by or covenant relation to God. We are created for His glory, formed according to His will, and are privileged to be called His children as a result of grace. You can't get more special and honoured than that.
-> Ephesians 2:10 - For we are his workmaniship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
* All we have is by grace because all our spiritual advantages are from God. We are His workmanship in respect of the new creation (the one who has surrendered his/her life to Jesus); not just as men but as saints. The new man is the new creation and God is its creator. In this new birth we are born and begotten of His will and have accessed this new birth on account of Christ's sacrifice and suffering. Would you go through such great lengths to bridge the gap between you and someone else if you considered them a worthless mistake???
I didn't think so either.
-> Psalms 139:14 - I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
* How dare we look down upon something God took His time and creative energy into forming? God made us! He knew what He was doing, knew what He wanted and took the time to form it. Every hair strand to put, where to put it, how it would look, its colour and texture; every cell, muscle, sensory fibre, neuron, tissue, gland, bone, every-thing. Then someone gets up one day (someone who probably hasn't even managed to create a paper aeroplane in their entire life), and imagines him or herself unquestionably worthy and in the perfect position to criticize and recommend adjustments to what God has made. But you know the person who is even sadder than such an individual?
The person(s) who actually takes that analysis as law; choosing to live their lives based on a plethora of misconceptions.
Are there people born with deformities? Do accidents occur which forever change people's lives - and appearances? Of course. But James 1:17 says; "Every good and perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." All the good stuff is from Him! Bad things started happening once we (humanity) ushered sin in. THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE PRESENCE OF EVIL IN THE WORLD DOES NOT CHANGE GOD'S GOODNESS OR SUPREMACY. In fact, despite the fact that the devil will not tire to try to afflict the children of God in all sorts of ways, our encouragement lies in scriptures like 1 John 5:4, 1 Cor 15:57, & 1 Cor 15:54. He has given us the grace and ability to tackle whatever situations may arise. It may also help to note that God's goodness and perfection is depicted beyond our temporary earth-container (which is the human body, face, form, etc) and that it is the least important. God makes our outward forms so good because His nature is excellent - He doesn't do anything beneath that standard; but when it boils down to what is truly of value, His focus is on the man that should resemble Him -- the real man --- the Spirit man.
When you start to see yourself the way God sees you, you get to know your true identity, your purpose, and just how precious you are to Him.
P.s: Forgive the lengthiness.
xxx, Kwiksie~
