Her True Worth

1. Your true worth is found in Christ, not worldly measures

You are not your sin. You are not your past. He is calling you out of darkness and into light.

Identity in Christ. Our true worth and identity are rooted in Christ's love and sacrifice, not in worldly measures of success, appearance, or popularity. The cross demonstrates our immeasurable value to God - He paid the highest price for us through Jesus' death and resurrection.

Counterfeit identities. The world offers many false sources of worth:

• Work and career success
• Physical appearance and weight
• Social media popularity
• Material possessions
• Relationships and others' approval

These lead to an unstable sense of self, always chasing the next thing. In contrast, our identity in Christ is unchanging and secure, based on God's unconditional love.

2. Affirmation addiction can lead to an endless pursuit of validation

If we're not careful, we will give people who aren't qualified the ability to make or break you with their opinions.

Unhealthy validation. While affirmation is a natural human need, it becomes problematic when we rely on it excessively for our sense of worth. Social media exacerbates this tendency, providing constant opportunities for likes and approval.

Signs of affirmation addiction:

• Constant need for praise and recognition
• Devastation by criticism or rejection
• Difficulty making decisions without others' input
• Changing yourself to please others

Healthy affirmation. In contrast, healthy affirmation:

• Begins with God's love and approval
• Is not deterred by rejection
• Comes from those with relational equity in your life
• Allows you to be misunderstood at times

3. Remove the filters and expose your authentic self to God

Dear friend, take it from me: ignoring your pain doesn't make you immune to it but just makes you numb to it.

Authenticity with God. Just as we filter our social media posts, we often try to present a polished version of ourselves to God. However, true intimacy with Him requires removing these filters and exposing our authentic selves - flaws, pain, and all.

Soul-care vs. self-care. While self-care has merit, it has limits. True healing comes through soul-care:

• Acknowledging our imperfections
• Bringing our wounds to Jesus
• Allowing God to tend to our deepest needs
• Accepting His unconditional love and grace

This process can be uncomfortable, but it leads to genuine transformation and freedom.

4. Even when you wander, God's love remains constant

If God feels distant, he isn't the one who moved.

The prodigal experience. Like the prodigal son, we often wander from God, chasing worldly pleasures or simply growing distracted. This can lead to feelings of shame, unworthiness, and fear of returning to God.

God's unfailing love. However, God's love never wavers:

• He eagerly watches for our return
• His arms are always open to welcome us back
• He celebrates our homecoming, not condemning our mistakes
• His forgiveness is complete and immediate

This unconditional love empowers us to return to God, no matter how far we've strayed.

5. Your created value is inherent and unchanging

Nobody pays a high price for something that isn't valuable. You're highly treasured and precious in his sight.

Image bearers of God. We are created in God's image, intentionally designed with inherent worth and value. This value is not earned or achieved, but given by our Creator.

God's love for us is demonstrated through:

• Creating us in His image
• Knowing us intimately (every hair on our head)
• Sending Jesus to die for us
• Adopting us as His children

This unchanging value provides a solid foundation for our identity, regardless of our accomplishments or failures.

6. Develop intimacy with God through undistracted devotion

Seeking God's Word for his wisdom is what's really going to get us what we are looking for in self-love and self-care.

Intentional connection. Developing intimacy with God requires intentional time and effort, just like any important relationship. This involves:

• Setting aside dedicated time for prayer and Bible study
• Removing distractions to focus on God's presence
• Being authentic and vulnerable in our communication with Him
• Listening for His voice through Scripture and the Holy Spirit

Transformative power. As we cultivate this intimacy, we experience:

• Greater understanding of God's character and love
• Increased ability to discern His will for our lives
• Transformation of our thoughts and behaviors
• A deeper sense of peace and security in our identity

7. Build your life on the firm foundation of Christ

When we're secure in Christ, we're building our houses on a rock and not on sand.

Unshakeable foundation. Building our lives on Christ provides stability amidst life's storms. This involves:

• Rooting our identity in God's unchanging love
• Basing our decisions on biblical principles
• Trusting God's promises over temporary circumstances

Fertile soil for growth. Like plants need good soil, our spiritual lives need nurturing:

• Regular time in God's Word
• Prayer and worship
• Community with other believers
• Applying biblical truths to daily life

This foundation and fertile soil allow us to weather difficulties and grow in our faith.

8. Your identity in Christ remains constant despite changing circumstances

Do your circumstances have the power to change or dictate who you are and who I am?

Unchanging identity. Our circumstances - whether good or bad - do not define us. Our core identity as God's beloved children remains constant through:

• Success and failure
• Health and illness
• Abundance and lack
• Praise and criticism

Anchored in Christ. This unchanging identity provides:

• Stability during life's ups and downs
• Freedom from performance-based worth
• Confidence to face challenges
• A consistent source of joy and peace

9. It's never too late to course-correct and turn back to God

If you have a pulse, it's not too late.

U-turns welcomed. No matter how far we've strayed or how long we've been going the wrong direction, God always welcomes our return. He provides:

• Open arms of forgiveness
• Grace to start fresh
• Guidance to get back on track

Overcoming obstacles. Common barriers to returning to God include:

• Shame and guilt over past mistakes
• Fear of judgment or rejection
• Comfort in sinful patterns

By focusing on God's love and grace, we can overcome these obstacles and make the necessary course corrections in our lives.

10. Embrace grace and silence shame through God's love

God's love is greater than any shame that has found you.

Power of shame. Shame is a powerful tool of the enemy, keeping us:

• Hidden from God and others
• Trapped in cycles of sin
• Believing lies about our identity and worth

Triumph of grace. God's grace overcomes shame by:

• Offering complete forgiveness
• Restoring our true identity as His beloved children
• Empowering us to live in freedom

As we embrace God's grace and love, shame loses its hold on us, allowing us to walk confidently in our true identity in Christ.

Last updated: July 30, 2024