Have you ever experienced a day when a lot of things went
really well for you? Have you experienced a day in which
you handled everything that came your way just superbly?
Perhaps, before I get too carried away, let me just say,
"Have you ever had a really great day?"
How did you feel about yourself at the end of that great
day? Did you take pride in your achievements? Did you
feel confident in your abilities? Did you value yourself
more than the day before? Did you feel more worthy?
On the other hand, have you ever had a lousy day, in which
it seemed like nothing went right for you? Have you had a
day in which you made a number of mistakes? At the end of
that lousy day, how did you feel about yourself? You
probably felt less confident and less worthy than the day
before.
It is perfectly normal to feel good when we do things right
or when things go well, just as it is normal to feel a
little discouraged when we don't do things right or when
things don't go well. But, your self-image and your self
worth should never, ever, be based on what you do or what
you don't do.
People often base their low self-image on things they do or
fail to do. They say things like, "Darn it, why'd I do
that?" or "Oh, why didn't I do that?"
Perhaps you have heard the statement, "You are not what you
do." I believe that statement is true, but there are
countless people who just do not believe it. They refer to
themselves, and to others, by what they do. They label
themselves and other people by saying things like, "He's an
accountant," or "she's an advertising rep." They say, "I'm
a cook" and "He's an athlete."
All of those statements just list occupations. And, if you
base your self worth on what you are doing, then what
happens to your self worth when you no longer do it
anymore? For example, suppose you were a major league
baseball pitcher. If you based your self worth on that
alone, what happens when it is time to retire? Then what
would you think of yourself? What kind of self- esteem and
self worth would you have then?
You are not what you do!
Match making services remind people that if you are looking
for a long term relationship then you need to look at who
the person is, not what they do. They tell their clients
that what makes people fall in love is "who" you are, not,
"what you do."
But you and I know that for so many, many people, their
self worth and their self- identity is based on their job
and their corresponding income. It's a good thing that one
of our greatest presidents did not have that kind of an
attitude.
He came from a very poor family, had a hard life, and was
unsuccessful. His business failed twice and he went
bankrupt. During a period of 26 years, he was defeated 9
times for the legislature, Congress, and the United States
Senate.
But, he was elected as our 16th President. And, Lincoln
once said, "The path was worn and slippery, my foot slipped
from under me, knocking the other out of the way, but I
recovered and said to myself, it is a slip and not a fall."
I heard a Bible teacher once say, "The reason people are so
miserable is because they can't stand themselves." How
true that is. And I would add that if they only knew who
they really were it would be a new day for them!
The Scriptures plainly speak of "who" a Christian really
is. It has nothing to do with your actions or your
particular job. It has everything to do with what Christ
did for you.
If more Christians would accept who the Bible says that
they are, their self worth would skyrocket! The Epistles
point out that every born again Christian, in God's eyes,
is acceptable, holy and without blame, a child of God, and
cannot be separated from His love!
The Bible teaches that Christians have already been made
righteous. But, sadly, so many times religion focuses on
sin and condemnation which makes people feel unworthy.
This leaves Christians with a low self-image and very
little self worth.
You are not what you do!
Even when we fall short and sin, we are still righteous in
God's eyes. And what so many fail to realize is that what
you really believe about yourself has a dynamic effect on
your success in all areas of your life.
So whether you have a good day or a bad day; whether you
are a major league pitcher or you've just declared
bankruptcy, just remember that in God's eyes, you are
special, you belong, you are His dear child and He made you
righteous!
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Listen to one of Michael A. Verdicchio's Pep Talks at
http://www.MikesPepTalks.com/christians2free.html
Michael has a free newsletter called, THE PEP LETTER, at
http://www.christianinspirationalgifts.com/pepletter.html .
Michael is a husband, father, minister, author, and
broadcaster. He has been the voice on numerous productions
over the years.
