Today we finish up a series of posts about self-awareness. Knowing how others perceive you is crucial to winning in life, but there is one last area we need to look at and that is YOUR perspective of yourself.
This is a BIG deal. Here is why…“People will never outperform their self-image” -John Maxwell. Maybe you want to read that again. If you have a low view of yourself, you’ll live up to it. If you have a high view of yourself and believe that God wants to do great things through you, you’ll live up to that too.
If you put a small value on yourself, the world will not raise it. The only person who can is you!
How can you tell if you put a small value on yourself? You can tell by how you talk to yourself. “I’m a screw up…I’m ugly…no one wants me.” If you aren’t sure how you talk to yourself try this: It’s just like me to always _____________. What did you put in the blank? Did you put something that was belittling or something that said you had value and worth? Some of us wouldn’t have any friends if we talked to them the way we talk to ourselves.
You can’t go around and blame your low self-esteem on God either. He demonstrated your great value through sending His One and only Son to die on a cross for you.
Here are some things God says about you:
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. -Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)
Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother’s womb. I thank you, High God—you’re breathtaking! Body and soul, I am marvelously made! I worship in adoration—what a creation! -Psalms 139:13-14 (Message)
If you struggle with your self-esteem remind yourself of how much God loves you!
I would encourage you to make a list of your best, God-given qualities. Try to come up with at least 25 things. If you can’t, ask those close to you to help you with your list. Review it often. Remind yourself that God has made you with forethought and intentionality. He has given you specific, wonderful qualities to change this world. You can start today!
