Qualified by God’s grace

By The NewsDay | Sep. 26, 2015 | 4 Min read

CHRISTIANITY is meant to free believers from bondage. It releases people to live without fear and doubt. A sense of hope and purpose is realised. Assurance, joy, peace and comfort are part of the good portion for the redeemed of the Lord.

The fulfilment gained propels one to pursue one’s life purpose and realise destiny. Satan doesn’t want mankind to live in self- belief with a feeling and conviction of worth. Many are cowed to assume that they’re inadequate and don’t measure up, always apologetic to their being. Don’t be intimidated, you qualify for God’s grace. You’re not an outcast; you belong to the family of a caring and loving God.

Religion puts emphasis on our performance that most of us doubt our right standing with God. It casts doubt and unbelief on the work that Jesus did for us on the Cross of Calvary. God’s Word tells us that in Christ, we are not under any condemnation. Romans 8:1 states, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” No one should reduce her/himself below the valuation of the Creator who made us in His image. The psalmist reckons in Psalm 139:14, “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” This should be your attitude to God and your esteem of yourself.

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Self-esteem is a challenge for humankind. “In sociology and psychology,” defines Wikipedia, “self-esteem reflects a person’s overall subjective emotional evaluation of his or her own worth. It is a judgment of oneself as well as an attitude toward the self.” It is your duty to be positive about yourself. You shouldn’t decampaign yourself. God sent His only begotten Son to die for you and me so that we enjoy life as children of God. This should be the measurement of your true worth. Romans 8:16-17 clarifies, “[16] The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: [17] And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” Never look down upon yourself, you’re valuable.

Never feel inferior. Always bear in your mind that you measure up. Inferiority complex is something that you have to fight and resist. Wikipedia defines it, “An inferiority complex is a lack of self-worth, a doubt and uncertainty, and feelings of not measuring up to standards. It is often subconscious, and is thought to drive afflicted individuals to overcompensate, resulting either in spectacular achievement or extreme asocial behaviour. In modern literature, the preferred terminology is ‘lack of covert self-esteem’. For many, it is developed through a combination of genetic personality characteristics and personal experiences.” Seeing that there are many forces that want to cage you, you should keep a positive lifestyle. Avoid people, things, situations and circumstances that are bent on degrading you.

God regards you so highly. Zechariah 2:8 points out, “For thus saith the Lord of hosts: After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.” You’re close to His heart. Researchers have conceptualised self-esteem as an influential predictor of certain outcomes, such as academic achievement, happiness, satisfaction in marriage and relationships and criminal behaviour. When and if you turn away from sin, God forgives you. He will declare you His righteousness in Christ Jesus. You’re chosen, acceptable, valuable and capable. 1 Peter 2:9-10 assures you, “[9] But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: [10] Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.” Indeed you’re precious in the sight of God.

Look for Scriptures that boost your esteem. Concentrate and fix your heart and mind on good, not evil. Encourage yourself on positive outcomes. Desist from pessimism. You shouldn’t give ground to unfortunate occurrences in life. Unwanted results may come, but you shouldn’t stimulate them by meditating on them. Paul teaches in Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Be forward-looking. You qualify by God’s grace. Shake yourself, don’t be sullen. You are going somewhere.