Lately I have discovered that living out of my false self instead of finding my identity in Christ is where a lot of my own insecurities, bitterness, selfishness, anxiety and pride can stem from. From an early age, each of us is externally and innately programmed to fabricate our own coping mechanisms in order to create a sort of “release valve” from inner struggle. It is only human nature (and healthy too) that we desire to be loved, accepted, significant and secure, so our natural reaction is to protect these needs and validate ourselves whenever necessary.
In fact, I would even venture to say that these core longings run deeper than physical nourishment. They are essential ingredients in helping to define who we are, what our purpose in life is, and even where we came from. Yet with the multitude of distorted messages that this world chooses to send our way, we are left fending for ourselves without the proper source of direction.
What Defines You?
When we choose to look within or around us for self worth instead of finding our identity in Christ, we begin to define ourselves based upon how others respond, think, feel and act towards us. And thus begins the downwards spiral.
As we become more entrenched in this methodology, we start to believe that with proper image maintenance, we can earn approval and find ourselves acceptable and worthy in the site of others. Or another technique would be to harbor bitterness, anger or judgment towards another based on the pain or discomfort they cause within us.
Consequently, here is where the insanity lies. Since each of us has different attitudes, beliefs and backgrounds, it is only a matter of time before one mask will not quite fit the expectations of another. So in order to avoid those feelings of rejection, helplessness and anxiety again, we begin to construct another. And another. And the pain is only driven deeper, leaving us feeling even more confused, desperate and alone instead of improving our self worth.
Jesus: Our Source of Identity
There is only One who can truly define us and give us the sense of self worth and significance that we so deeply desire. When we look at the life of Jesus, He reveals what our lives can start to reflect as we draw closer to the Father.
Jesus became so confident in who He was in the Lord, that there was nothing that anyone could say or do that would cause him to feel less than adequate. He chose to take to heart the words spoken over Him when baptized in the Jordan, “This is my Son, who I love; with him I am well pleased” (NIV, Matthew 3:17).
Therefore, there is a peace and self worth that can be obtained only by looking to the One who knew us before the beginning of time. God is the only one who can judge and define us. Every other source falls far from the mark.
There is nowhere else we need to search for truth and our true self worth but in Him. He is the source of all love, life and fulfillment. Draw nearer to Him and He will continue to draw nearer to you. God desperately wants to reveal who you truly are!
Twitter
Facebook