This verse has meant many things to me over the years. I have used it in so many instances: in sports, in school, in life, etc.
But, it has taken on a whole new meaning for me this year. This verse is our identity; it is the core of who we are. Because who God is to us defines us.
(Side note: I encourage you to read the whole passage "More than Conquerors" (vs. 31-39). It is one of the most passionate passages I have found in the entire Bible.)
Ok so I have two statements to make from this. One, we are God's children and nothing can take that away. Two, because we are His, nothing else matters. What people think, what we look like, what we think of ourselves, it is all irrelevant because we are sons and daughters of the King.
"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:14
These two verses together paint an incredible picture of who we are to God. I don't know about you, but I want to see myself as God sees me, not as the world sees me. "The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7.
What if we all looked at each other as those verses define us? Not only would the world be vastly different, but I know I would be changed completely. Not only in how I see myself, but the way I see others would be transformed.
And this is what God means by love one another; that we would see each other for what God has made us, not what the world has depicted us. By loving one another, we respect God's masterpiece and the ultimate and intelligent design He destined for this world.
By learning to love one another and seeing each other in this light, I know we would learn how to love ourselves.
I've never had many close girl friends. Growing up with a brother, I've always connected better with guys. But coming here to Whitworth and living in a dorm full of girls, I see how we act, toward ourselves and each other. Girls will tear themselves and others down for approval and in search for compliments. I'm not saying this of all girls here or in general, but I know from high school and college that the majority of women in this world do not see themselves in the light God has shone for us.
I see girls seeking each other's approval, and doing everything to get it. I see girls telling each other one thing, and another behind their backs. I see girls not loving themselves, and doing everything to feel accepted, as if this false form of love can fill them. And, it breaks my heart.
I'm not saying I'm immune. Quite the opposite; I catch myself thinking of these things and at times falling for the lies the world tells us. The world is out to get the self-image of women, and strip her of her identity. It's a brutal battle, one that I have had to fight often.
But here's the thing: I don't fight alone. My Father is right here, reminding me of my worth every time I forget it. I pray that you let Him come close and remind you of your identity as well.
Because "we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works..." Ephesians 2:10.
And we can't further His kingdom or do His work if we cannot remember that we are created with a purpose, beautifully, and masterfully. We are God's children, and we shortchange the Lord of all creation if we think any less than that.
If you struggle with how you see yourself, try this: pick some verses (like I did in this post) and next time you look in the mirror, and every time if it helps, speak those words of life and watch yourself declare them.
I pray that you begin to see yourself as God sees you, and that we all can do the same with each other.DTI
