One of the biggest issues that believers struggle with is self-esteem. One of the reasons, I believe, is because self-esteem is of the world and is something we try to implement into our lives that is foreign into our god-given souls that’s not of God. Self-esteem implies that we get our identity and worth from self and that which we are able to accomplish. But God has something much more intimate and special for His children - it’s called sanctification.
To be sanctified is to ‘be set apart for a special purpose’. The truth is, it is easy to believe that we are not sanctified based on the message the world delivers us. Everywhere we turn we are bombarded with commercials, billboards, magazines and television shows that remind us of where we fall short from the worlds perspective. In addition, thousands upon thousands of children are physically and sexually abused daily. Abortion clinics thrive. These, among other devastating facts of our world, claw at our identity one message at a time, tearing it down by telling us we’re disposable and worthless with every assault. But believers have the ability to turn away from these blatant lies and choose truth as their stronghold.
Romans 8:29 tells that God knew us and chose us to be His children before the earth was created. Jeremiah 1:5 tells us that during this time He sanctified us. But what exactly did God set us apart to do? We are to become Christ-like, for the sacred purpose of turning from sin and being cleansed from moral corruption.
And we know that all things work together for the good of those who love God,
to those who are called according to His purpose. For who He foreknew,
He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His son,
that He might be the first born among many brethren.
Moreover, who He predestined, these He also called,
these He also justified; and who He justified, He also glorified.
(Romans 8:28-30)
Everyone that God foreknew (meaning those He chose and knew before we were formed in our mother’s womb), He predestined. Predestined means He decided beforehand that we would be conformed, (meaning to come together in the likeness or image of His Son, Jesus). And those He predestined, He called, (meaning He named them). Those He called, He also justified, (meaning He declared them righteous). Those He justified, He also glorified, (meaning to give honor and praise). We all hope to hear the words found in Matthew 25:21, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant’ from our Father when we ascent to heaven. To hear these words is to receive His honor and praise.
Putting our faith in these truths will build our god-esteem, meaning of course, who we are in Christ Jesus, opposed to self-esteem which is built by our own accomplishments or lack thereof. Thus, it does not matter what the world says, but what God says is true. Knowing and believing this gives us not only faith in who we are, but what God’s will is for our lives and what we are capable of accomplishing through Him.
We are sanctified, and as such, we have the capability of having full confidence in who we are in this world without having to adapt to it. By choosing to reject the world’s standard of esteem and cling to God’s promises about who we are and His plans for us, we can walk in confidence, surety, and hope. Run to Him now in prayer and ask His forgiveness for believing the worlds lies about who you are and grasp on to who He says you are and learn to walk in your special identity that He ordained for you as His child.
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