Lighter Living: ConfidenceSample

It’s difficult to stop or change a habit until there is a better alternative in clear reach. A simple diet plan. A DIY course. But, the transformation that Paul describes in Romans 12:2, the inward transformation of how we think and what we think about ourselves, only comes through faith.

Faith is “being certain of what we do not see'' (Hebrews 11, NIV). Living with faith will always lead us into exploration of the unknown where reliance on God is our only equipment. To stop deriving confidence from our appearances, achievements, and possessions, we have to place our faith in what God thinks of us. God made us and sees us in complete confidence. No mistakes, no hopelessness. Only divine purpose and hope.

A true renewing of your mind will change the way you view yourself. It will give you a newfound confidence rooted in who, not in how. Who God is, not how you’re measuring up.

Many of us grew up watching movies where the confident characters were the attractive, affluent bullies. Confidence was power, exclusivity, and coldness. No one ever taught us that it was counterfeit confidence all along. What we saw was actually arrogance.

Authentic confidence is derived from the paradoxical truth that we are of extraordinary value and of no more importance than those around us. We are all living under the authority of a perfect, loving Father. Through faith, we are invited to live both confidently and humbly.

When we ask God to transform what we think about ourselves, it transforms every relationship and every interaction with others. Self-love through a Spirit-led mind will empower you to love others and love God immeasurably more.

• Is there a relationship in your life that you’re craving more for or from?
• How is your view of yourself impacting this relationship?