In our journey through life, we often find ourselves grappling with questions of self-worth and purpose. We strive to accomplish certain goals and envision a future that aligns with our desires. However, it is essential to consider whether these aspirations are in line with what God intends for us. This thought-provoking message explores the dichotomy between how we see ourselves and how God sees us. By delving into the scriptures and understanding our true worth in God's eyes, we can gain a deeper understanding of our purpose and unlock our full potential.
1. The Negative Perception of Self
"Oftentimes we find out after mistake after mistake, breakup after breakup, issue after issue, that the things that we envision for ourselves, the connections, the people, places, things, all of that isn't what God intended for us."
Many of us struggle with a negative perception of ourselves, influenced by past mistakes and failures. We may have experienced emotional abuse or been surrounded by people who made us feel worthless. This negativity can hinder our ability to envision a positive future for ourselves.
2. Envisioning a Positive Self-Image
"Take the moment to do this simple exercise of what you hope to be, hope to accomplish, or if you can't see it, if you can envision something positive about someone else and that that positivity will rub off on you."
To counteract the negative self-perception, it is crucial to take the time to envision a positive self-image. This exercise involves imagining what we hope to be and accomplish, or finding inspiration in the positivity of others. By focusing on the positive aspects, we can shift our mindset and begin to see ourselves in a more favorable light.
3. Seeing Ourselves Through God's Eyes
"There are scriptures that encourage us as believers to see ourselves through God's eyes. We are going to take that moment to recognize the value, the value of seeing ourselves in the way that God sees us, to truly see our worth, to envision that, to feel that, to embody it."
The scriptures provide guidance on how God sees us. We are reminded that we are fearfully and wonderfully made, created in God's own image. By embracing this truth, we can recognize our intrinsic worth and begin to see ourselves as God sees us. This shift in perspective allows us to embody our true value and live out our purpose.
4. Overcoming Negative Programming
"Because over the course of our years, we've had too many people talk about what we're not, what we can't, what we won't, what we are to them, we feed into the negativity and eventually do something negative."
Negative programming from others can deeply impact our self-perception. Whether through words, body language, or emotional abuse, these experiences can make us feel undervalued and prevent us from embracing our true potential. It is essential to break free from this negative programming and align ourselves with God's perspective.
5. Embracing God's Calling
"Why go back to the workplace that God didn't even call you to? You called yourself to it. Why not put your two weeks notice in and start looking for that job, the job that you should have gotten?"
Many of us find ourselves in situations that are not aligned with God's calling for our lives. We may have settled for less or pursued paths that were not meant for us. It is crucial to discern God's plan and purpose for our lives and make the necessary changes to align ourselves with His calling. This may involve leaving behind familiar but unfulfilling environments and seeking out the opportunities that God has prepared for us.
6. Recognizing Our Intrinsic Value
"For you created my inmost being, you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful. I know that full well."
The scriptures remind us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made by God. Our worth is not determined by external factors or the opinions of others. We are valuable simply because we are created by God. Embracing this truth allows us to let go of feelings of worthlessness and step into our true identity.
7. Discovering Our Purpose
"Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. Before you were born, I set you apart."
God has a purpose and plan for each of our lives. Even before we were born, God knew us and set us apart for a specific calling. It is essential to seek God's guidance and discover the purpose He has prepared for us. By aligning ourselves with His plan, we can live a life of fulfillment and make a positive impact on the world around us.
8. Embracing Our Identity in Christ
"For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance."
As believers, we are called to recognize that we are God's handiwork. We are created in Christ Jesus with a purpose to do good works that God has prepared in advance. Our identity is rooted in our relationship with Christ, and by embracing this identity, we can live out our purpose and make a difference in the world.
9. Rejoicing in God's Love
"The Lord your God is with you, the mighty warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you, in his love. He will no longer rebuke you."
God rejoices over us and takes great delight in us. His love is unconditional, and He no longer rebukes us. We can find comfort and strength in knowing that God is with us and supports us in our journey. His love empowers us to overcome challenges and live a life of purpose and fulfillment.
The themes explored in this message have profound implications for our lives. By shifting our perspective and aligning ourselves with God's view of us, we can experience a transformation in our self-worth and purpose. Embracing our identity in Christ allows us to overcome negative programming and live out the calling God has for us. This shift in mindset has the potential to impact every aspect of our lives, from our relationships to our careers.
When we recognize our intrinsic value and purpose, we can approach life with confidence and a sense of direction. We no longer need to seek validation from others or allow their negative opinions to define us. Instead, we can draw strength from God's love and rejoice in the knowledge that we are fearfully and wonderfully made.
This newfound perspective also empowers us to make choices that align with God's calling for our lives. We can step away from environments and situations that do not serve our purpose and seek out opportunities that allow us to fulfill our potential. By embracing our identity in Christ, we can make a positive impact on the world around us and live a life of significance.
Future outlook
In conclusion, the way we see ourselves versus how God sees us is a crucial aspect of our journey through life. By embracing our true worth and purpose, we can overcome negative programming and align ourselves with God's calling. Recognizing our intrinsic value and identity in Christ empowers us to live a life of fulfillment and make a positive impact on the world.
As we continue on our journey, it is essential to regularly remind ourselves of God's perspective and seek His guidance. By staying connected to Him and embracing His view of us, we can navigate life's challenges with confidence and purpose. Let us continue to envision ourselves through God's eyes and live out the calling He has prepared for us.
Nicholl McGuire is the author of Laboring to Love Myself, Know Your Enemy the Christian's Critic and other books. The audio version of this article is available on nmenterprise7.com
