We like to think we’re a good person because we do things for other people. But there was a time in my life all of my “doing” was motivated by wanting to be loved and accepted by others. I considered “being a good person” a part of my identity. In reality, my people-pleasing was selfish, and a true sign that I didn’t know my identity in Christ (my worth).
I came to a point where I was burnt out on people-pleasing, and sick of being used and taken advantage of by people. I was “so done with people.”
But discovering WHO I AM to God shifted everything from the inside out. All of a sudden, I discovered I had value (I was created with value!) to offer others. I didn’t have to be “liked,” or “accepted” anymore to “be somebody.” People-pleasing went out the door, and serving others became a joy. Because I wasn’t doing it for me anymore, I was was doing it because I had a new love for people that had never been there before.
Validation from others no longer mattered. I discovered that I could be the perfect “nobody” that I was, and BE somebody to my Father-God!
Discovering what it truly means to embrace my identity in Christ was the breath of freedom my soul needed.
I want to ask you, how’s your soul today? Do you know how much you mean to God? Do you realize that the price that He paid for you was the value He placed on you?
What are you doing in your life right now that is centered on what others think of you? What do you treasure the most in this life?
Is it how you look in the mirror? Is it accolades from other people, or a pat on the back? Is it how many followers you have? Maybe it’s your family’s opinion of you? Or maybe it’s how much money you have in the bank, what kind of car you drive, and what neighborhood you live in.
Another question I would challenge you with is, what most embarrasses you? I’m not saying we don’t have a right to be embarrassed about something, but stop and ask yourself if you are placing too much value in the thing you would never want anyone to see or find out about?
Now, I want to invite you to begin the journey of asking God, “What do you think of me?”
Because when you discover what God thinks of you, I guarantee it is going to change everything.
Let me say it again.
EVERYTHING.
“For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” 1 Corinthians 6:20
Author Anne Day 