When did you last hear that phrase? Most of us had that expression blasted at us whenever we were sassy as teenagers, or as adults when we have made some unusual statement or done something out of our usual character. Maybe you were even mocked after sharing with someone that you desire to make a significant difference in the world.
Often the enemy attacks Christians with thoughts of doubt trying to smash our God-given dreams with similar phrases such as; 1) “You can’t do that, don’t you know that you’re just one person?” 2) “How would you ever be able to do that? You don’t have any money and no one knows who you are;” etc., etc…. Blah, blah, blah….
So Dear Friend, what is your response when you are asked the question, “Just who do you think you are anyway?” Whatever your answer is to this question will determine the effectiveness of your life, relationships and whether you fulfill your destiny. Your core belief system and your self-talk either can either help or hinder you.
There are many opinions out there about who you are, but whose opinion really counts and means the most to you? So, who do you respect the most and whose opinion determines your sense of well-being? Is it your mom, dad, husband, wife, boss or friend?
Magazines, Hollywood, the media and many other voices are projecting a worldly image influencing our society. If you don’t agree with the world’s standards you are considered intolerant, bias and out-of-date. Continually suggestions are made that we should conform and “evolve” and accept liberal thinking and standards.
As children growing up we are influenced by many voices and the responses of people around us. Our self-perception is formed not only by our environment but by experiences, education, religion, parental figures, etc. If your upbringing was positive and overall pleasant, then most likely you are confident and have a good self-esteem. However, most of us have struggled with our self-perception and lack proper self-love and respect. Or, you may be at the other end of the spectrum–full of pride, focusing your sole attention on self and your needs only.
Don’t think more highly of yourself than you ought….
Romans 12:3—“For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” KJV
Consider the full spectrum of this scripture which indicates there is a proper measure of a positive attitude toward self that is okay. However, you are not to be filled with pride and think that you are better than others, thinking more highly of yourself than you should.
I’ll make this short – you probably have guessed where I am going with us. Obviously as a Christian the most important opinion is that of the Lord’s. And what is God’s opinion of you? Who does He say you are?
Let’s search the word of God and discover God’s perception of you. Then believe and receive these truths. May I suggest that as you learn these truths to begin speaking them out loud. Make these personal by saying “I am….”
1) First of all, I am loved unconditionally by God! John 3:16
2) I have received Christ as my Savior and His Spirit is inside of me.
3) I was known and loved even before I was in my mother’s womb. I am wonderfully made. Psalm 139
4) Jesus loved me enough to lay down His life for me. John 15:13
5) I am a member of the Body of Christ and in the Kingdom of God.
6) I am the righteousness of God in Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:21—“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” KJV
7) You are an overcomer through the blood of Jesus and the word of your testimony.
Revelation 12:11—“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. KJV
8) I am made in the image of God.”
9) I am free from condemnation. John 5:24
10) I’m a child of God–greater is He (Jesus) that is in me than he that is in the world.
11) I am an ambassador of Christ.
12) I am a joint heir with Jesus and more than a conqueror. Romans 8:13 & 8:37
13) I am the elect of God. Colossians 3:12, and Romans 8:33
14) I am alive with Christ. Galatians 2:20
15) Jesus loves me the same way that Father God loves Jesus. WOW!!
John 15:9—“As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.” KJV
Any discouraging words spoken over you can be offset by speaking God’s truth and staying in agreement with God’s perception of your true identity. So, the next time the enemy challenges your identity or if someone questions your worth by asking, “Just who do you think you are anyway?!! — now your response will be the truth from God’s Word.
God bless you child of God, elect of God, made in the image of God, the righteousness of God and the loved of God!!
Thank you for this devotional. I really needed these words today. I am in a battle for the Lord. We are trying to save lives and Satan and his followers don’t want us to save them. They want to keep turmoil stiring all of the time and confusion. I was just reading in Psalms 56 about the powers of darkness. HE tries to cloud our mind and get us sidetracked of what our real goal is. They use gripping, back biting to keep it going. We really need the armor of God to get through. I really need your prayers right now. Thank you
dear Pastor Jim: this devoitional was so good i sent it to my son. i do have trouble with selfesteem. so that fit me to a tee. needing these confessions of faith. thank you i will use them for sure. love connie
i am so encouraged by all this scripture, there is such a struggle in some churches to day that every one wants top billing, and if God Anoints a singer or song thier nose is out of joint. Please pray for this very distructive problem in our church.
Love in Christ Margurite
This was so encouraging to me today. I needed the words to pass on to someone else with whom I was trying to up lift today. They elevated me as well. Thanks for the inspiration!