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.