Heartbeatنموونە

It can be tempting to let ourselves be defined by what other people say about us.  It’s just easier that way, isn’t it?  That’s especially true if you hear the same kinds of things said about you by multiple people.  You can quickly become “the funny guy”, “the pretty girl”, etc.  When I was in high school, I was known for my sense of humor.  I can easily remember multiple times where that part of my identity got me in trouble – times I took the jokes and “showing off” too far.  Either I said something I regret, or I got in trouble in class or at my job for not being focused on things I should have been focusing on.

That’s where basing our identity on what others say can be dangerous.  We can become so preoccupied with maintaining that label, fulfilling others expectations of us, that we lose sight of who we really are – the person God wants us to be.  You are not what others say and think you are; you are what God says and thinks you are.

The Bible is clear: once we give our life to God wholeheartedly there’s an ownership change. You are not on your own; you belong to God. You are His, and always will be. Stop and think about how significant that really is.  It’s freeing when you embrace it!  People will always look at us on the outside, make quick judgments about us (fair or not), but God is different.  

Rather than estimating our value based on our skills, looks or performance, He looks at our hearts. We’ll only have peace when we believe who God says we are: His valuable creation - one that He loves way more than anyone else ever can or will! 

What things do you believe about yourself that you’ve been told by others? Do you think these things are true or false?  How can you overcome your own poor perceptions of yourself and come to embrace what God says about your value and identity?