True Worthiness Found Rooted In Christ
Your identity is not shaped by your past, but in Christ and His immense love for you.
Promised Land State Park, Pennsylvania. Photo taken by Lisa Stenger
“My Rocky Path Made Perfect Rooted in Christ”
Read: 1 Peter 1:17-25
In the past, I often exaggerated about my job or children to impress my parents. For example, when my son achieved something, I would excessively brag about it, focusing more on showcasing my parenting skills than celebrating him. I realized this shifted the spotlight away from my son, who deserved to be the center of the conversation.
This often left me feeling frustrated with myself, wondering why I felt the need to prove something to my parents. They love me no matter what, right? Why did I feel the need to fill this empty space with senseless, selfish matter? Ultimately, this revealed a flaw in my own character.
This habit came from a place of feeling unworthy. I felt insecure and inadequate, and exaggerating my or my children’s achievements provided a false sense of boosting my ego and self-worth. The lesson for me personally was found in 1 Peter 1:22, to love one another deeply from the heart. That includes me! Be the example of love that has no conditions tied to its gift.
This experience made me realize that my parents’ love can be conditional. Their love is not the same as God’s love, which is unconditional. The depth of God’s love, exemplified by Jesus, is beyond our understanding. It is unlike the love we encounter in this world. Experiencing God’s unconditional love reveals that there is no need to earn it through impressive actions. This divine love is unwavering, surrounding us with acceptance despite our flaws. We can fully embrace our authentic selves, knowing we are cherished just as we are, without needing to prove our worth.
Ultimately, I've come to understand that my identity is not defined by my accomplishments or past mistakes, but in Christ and His unchanging love.
Lake Ticonderoga, New York. (Lisa Stenger)
How did I get out of my distorted and dishonest thinking into God’s truth?
Turned to scripture
Took daily personal inventory
Spent time in the presence of Jesus in quiet and in prayer
Attended Bible studies
Listened attentively during Sunday service
Surrounded myself with people who desired a relationship with Jesus as much as I did.
Embracing this new way of living revealed my negative habits and gave clarity to the changes I needed to make. I bring anything that makes me feel insecure or unworthy to Jesus and seek His help.
When I transitioned from knowing about Jesus to getting to know Jesus, I began to be more aware of my flaws. I became open to admitting my wrongs and acquired a desire to change. I needed to be honest with myself and turn away from old habits that held me back from receiving God’s truth.
In short, living with deep respect and awe for God with a desire to be made new through Christ.
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. (James 1:22-25 NIV).
In these four verses, James emphasizes the importance of studying Scripture and listening to God, thereby encouraging us to press forward in seeking change and apply His Word to our lives. This is what genuine faith looks like. If you want to change and be a living testimony of how you have changed, fix your eyes on the Scripture.
When you take the step of having confidence in your strengths while also being aware of your weaknesses, you begin to find an unwavering certainty in having more opportunities to live more purposefully for God’s plans, not yours.
Reflect:
In what areas of my life do I find myself the most insecure about?
A. Pause and think:
Why do I feel this way?
What events led to this feeling of insecurity or unworthiness?
Who might have contributed to this perception?
B. Action:
Admit – I acknowledge that I feel insecure / or unworthy about _______________.
God – Thank you for helping me recognize _______________.
Let Go – I turn over to God any hurt, pain, or flaws in this area.
I Ask God to remove any distorted or dishonest thoughts within me.Amends – If I have hurt someone because of this insecurity, including myself, I will ask for forgiveness.
Practice – You may become more aware of this insecurity or unworthiness as you move forward. Be patient with yourself, show yourself kindness and compassion. Focus on transforming your character. Invite God to help you grow in this area and reveal His truth to you.
Remain in scripture and continue in prayer for God to work in your heart.
Pray:
Lord,
You know my thoughts, the motives behind my actions, and my words before they are spoken. You know me. Your grace is sufficient for me, and your strength is made perfect in my weakness. I give you all the glory. Help me with my mental and physical weaknesses. May I boast of you and not of my own accomplishments. Help me recognize where you want to see me grow. Open my heart to forgive others and myself for any hurt I may have caused. Guide me through my insecurities and show me how you see me, not how the world sees me. Tell me the truth and block any lies that enter my mind. Help me to act with honor and to be patient with change. I welcome your guidance as you help me put my broken pieces together. Amen!
The upcoming Women’s Bible Study, “True Reflection: Focusing On Your Precious Identity With Purpose,” will guide you through the journey of Moses and his five excuses. Discover how God was not going to release Moses from His request just because he thought he was not good enough. Sometimes, it is where we think we are weak that God’s strength can bring us to a place of being more than good enough. In Session two, titled “Who God Says We Are, and Believing It: Exploring God’s Word and Truth,” you will discover the way God sees you through Scripture. Learn how to use your strengths to inspire others, as Jesus’ light shines brightly over any past mistakes. Unravel just how valuable God sees you to serve a greater purpose.
