Jesus As The Standard

Self worth or identity in Christ? Obviously, from a secular view, those are two completely different concepts. However, for those of us who have chosen salvation, self worth and identity in Christ go hand in hand. Self worth can be defined as how you view yourself. Whether it be outward or inward, everyone feels a certain way about themselves. Girls are especially critical of their bodies, personalities, and lifestyle. The world has created an image of "perfect" beauty, shape, and lifestyle, and it has been branded on every young female's mind. Naturally, the young girl who only wants everyone to think she's beautiful or "hot" is going to obsess over striving to meet the world's standards of beauty. They begin to degrade themselves to try to impress and fit the world's definition. A lot of times, girls find themselves in a state of depression because they aren't able to attain the world's approval of appearance and lifestyle. Their expectations have been set too high on the wrong scale and a cycle of low self esteem has begun. However, Christian girls have been given a completely different definition of "perfection". Psalm 139:14 "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." God created each person uniquely in his own image. The God of the universe took time to mold each individual to perfection in his eyes. When God's children are not content with the body he created, it burdens him. Not only were humans created beautifully inside and out in His eyes, but also are given a totally new identity after redemption. God's redeeming love offers a new start to life and also a new mold to define oneself.                      2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." Beauty is re-defined in the hearts of God's beloved. Instead of seeking beauty of body, shape, and lifestyle-as defined by the world, Christians have been called to define beauty according to God's Word. God desires for his children to be confident in the body he created, and then to strive to live like Jesus. Inward beauty is more valuable, but how could we, dirty sinners, be beautiful on the inside? Well, because Jesus has covered up the dirty with his blood, so now when God looks at us, he sees his son.  The only human that any person should ever compare themselves to is Jesus Christ. Why? Because he lived in flesh and overcame evil. He gave his life for anyone who chooses to accept his gift. Those who chose to receive Christ have his spirit dwelling in them. Basically, we have given up our own identity in flesh to an identity defined by Jesus who dwells in us. Galatians 3:27 "For as many of you were baptized into Christ have put on Christ." So instead of defining your self worth by what the world says, find your worth in Jesus. You will find that to Him you are worth him giving up his own life. Strive to live according to God's truth, and let that be the only standard to which you compare. Women, clothe yourselves in the truth found in Proverbs 31, and men, strengthen your hearts to be the leader you were called to be. Put on the armor of God and practice the fruits of the Spirit, and the image of worldly "perfection" will soon fade. 

Hold Fast

Psalm 139:7-12 "Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you." No child of God will ever be able to flee His presence or escape the bounds of His abundant grace and mercy. In the darkest moments, God still has His light shining. Go back to Psalm 138, and in verse 8 it says, "The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love O Lord, endures forever- do not abandon the works of your hands." God's children are the works of His hands. He will not ever abandon His children. In Matthew 18, Jesus tells the Parable of the Lost Sheep. In verse 14 Jesus says, "In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones be lost." Once in God's hands, His child cannot get out of His reach. This is one of God's promises. God's Word and promises give us hope. Sometimes though, we lose sight of that hope, but again God promises in Hebrews 6:19 "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure." For the Children who are living in God's light and walking the narrow path, it burdens us to see our brothers and sisters stray from the path and step into darkness. However, we must not forget that they will never be too far out of reach for the Lord. We struggle to see a hopeful future, but that's where our faith comes in. Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Friend, please cling tightly to this promise of hope that our Father has given us. Cling to His love, grace, and mercy. Trust His timing. In Ecclesiastes 3:11 it says, "He has made everything beautiful in its time.." He is working to make something beautiful out of these ashes. Hold on tightly, it's not easy, but it's worth it. Wait on the Lord, trust His faithfulness. Hold fast, God's help is on the way. He never fails.