You're not all that

You're not all that

"For by the grace given me I say to every one of you:  Do not think more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you."  Romans 12:3

We've all met "those" people.  The ones who have accomplished much in their life and aren't shy about telling you about it.  They aren't shy about giving themselves the credit for it either.  Whether they are professional athletes or the guy who likes to rub it in that he beats you in every race, we've all seen it.  And it's not pretty!

Healthy self esteem is important as some of us think too little of ourselves. On the other hand, some of us overestimate ourselves. The key to an honest evaluation is knowing the basis of our self worth.  It's not our race times, medals or  anything else this world can offer.  It's who we are in Christ.  And it's humbling ourselves with the knowledge that we are nothing apart from Him.  We are valuable and capable of worthy service to Him only by His favor on us.

Evaluating yourself by the worldly standards of success and achievement can cause you to think too much about your worth in the eyes of others and then miss your true value in God's eyes.   As we watch the Olympics, we see athletes that, by worldly standards, have achieved success.  But, then the games end and the world moves on to another bunch of idols.  What then?  If your value is based on your abilities, what is your worth when that is gone?

Per sports-reference.com, as of 2014, 87 Olympians had committed suicide.  You can find similar statistics in the world of sports, music and many other careers where the person is judged by what he/she can do. Thank God we have a Savior who loves us unconditionally.  By placing your worth in Him, your value will never decrease regardless of your abilities or lack of them.  John 6:63 tells us that "It is the spirit who gives us eternal life.  Human effort accomplishes nothing."  And Romans 5:5 tells us that , "We know how dearly God loves us, because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with love."

Do you know how valuable you are to God?  Regardless of how you see yourself, I can promise you that God sees you differently.  It's time to forget what the world says you are and ask God to show you what you can be.  Through Him, you are priceless.

Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us beyond what we deserve.  Help us to be humble as we use the gifts you gave us.  Let all we do and say bring glory to You Lord.  In your name, Amen.