How you see yourself matters. Your self-image affects every area of your life—your goals, who you marry, your mental and physical health, your relationships, and your job. It can even funnel down and affect the way your children see themselves.
The Oxford Dictionaries online defines self-esteem as: “confidence in one’s own worth or abilities; self-respect.”1
Self-esteem (self-worth, self-respect)—where does it come from?
It comes from the image we have of ourselves. Genesis 1:27 says we are created in God’s image. But from the minute we are born, the devil is working 24/7 to destroy the “God-image” we should have of ourselves. He’ll try to plant thoughts in our minds and also use other people’s words to get us to doubt what God says about us.
Remember how the devil deceived Adam and Eve?
He challenged what God told them (Gen. 3:1-5). He said, “Hath God said? What did God really say? Are you sure He told the truth?” The devil lied to them, and they believed it. As a result, they got fired from their job, evicted from their house, and their kids started killing each other, all because they believed a lie.
THE POWER OF GOD’S WORD
Thank God once we are born again, start reading God’s Word, and begin finding out who we are in Christ, things begin to change! God’s Word tells us that we have an enemy who is a liar. He’s constantly trying to get us to believe his lies instead of believing what God says. The more time we spend in God’s Word, the easier it is to recognize those lies.
CHANGE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH GOD’S WORD
Get the Marriage Building 101 DVD to get the full message.
FACTS ABOUT OUR ENEMY
• He is a liar. He does not stand for the truth, for there is no truth in him. (John 8:44)
• He is a murderer. He was a murderer from the beginning. (John 8:44)
• He is a thief. He comes to steal, kill, and destroy. (John 10:10)
• He is wily—deceitful, skilled at gaining an advantage. He manipulates and persuades people to do what he wants. (Ephesians 6:11)
• He is a manipulator. He takes people captive and gets them to do his will by lying to them. (2 Timothy 2:26)
• He is a condemner. He lures people into pride and causes them to be condemned when they fall. (1 Timothy 3:6)
• He is a devourer. He walks about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8)
• He is an accuser. He is the accuser of the brethren. (Rev. 12:10) • He is a deceiver. (Revelation 20:10)
• He is an exploiter. He uses others to work against us. Jesus said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan!” (Mark 8:33)
DON’T LET YOUR WORKS DETERMINE YOUR WORTH
Unfortunately, many people live their entire lives basing their self-worth on their works. Did we get an A, or did we get an F? Did we hit a home run, or did we strike out? Did we score a touchdown, or did we fumble? Did we get invited to the party, or did we not get an invitation? Did we get a date for the prom, or did we get turned down? Did we get the scholarship? Did we get the job? Did we get the promotion?
It’s an endless hamster-wheel cycle.
From childhood, it’s important that we learn how God sees us. Don’t allow the devil, other people, or your works to determine your worth.
Learn how to help your child with their self-worth.
God demonstrated how valuable you are when He gave the most priceless gift He had to redeem you—His Son, Jesus Christ. You are valuable! God loves you! You can do all things through Christ! You are gifted, talented, and called for a purpose! Those aren’t just cute, inspirational sayings; that is what God says about you! Love and value yourself the way God does.
THE TAKE AWAY
Your self-worth starts with your thought life. “As he thinks in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7 KJV).
You need to start seeing yourself the way God sees you. Genesis 1:27 says you are created in His image.
Base your self-worth on what God says about you and not the devil’s lies. God demonstrated how valuable you are when He redeemed you with the precious blood of His Son, Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:18-19). Psalm 8:5 says He has crowned you with gory and honor.
Your self-image affects the way you treat others. In Matthew 22:39 the Bible talks about loving your neighbor as you love yourself. If you don’t love yourself, your neighbor is in trouble!
The more you value and love yourself the way God does, the more you will be able to value and love others. You may have times when you fall short, but every day is a new opportunity to learn, grow, and try again!
HELP YOUR CHILD WITH THEIR SELF-WORTH
