As humans we crave applause, attention and acceptance. We
want to be validated but how far will we go to get it?
As I talk about validation I really need to talk about self esteem
because in my eyes these two things are linked closely together.
When we esteem ourselves highly the less we look to man to
validate us.
One of my mentor’s described self esteem this way, self esteem
is your estimation of your own worth!
How much value do you place on yourself?
Do you esteem yourself highly?
People may have their own opinions about
you but you should value yourself highly. You should be your
biggest fan no matter what.
But what should your estimation be based off? What is your
measure?
The word of God should be your measure!
God knows the truth about you so seek out what He says about
you.
His word has so much amazing truths to declare to you about you….
Be real about your shortcomings but be wise how you approach
them. Tearing yourself down is probably doing more
damage than people’s negative words to you!
So like I said, be honest with yourself. When you make a mistake
admit it but correct yourself in a way that still
maintains your value. I was really bad at doing this. I used to tear
myself down badly. I thought that was the right thing to do
but I was wrong. No matter how wrong I am God would NEVER
tear me down so why do I think it’s okay??
We all sin so it’s natural to speak negative. We don’t need to put
much effort into speaking and thinking
negatively. It’s hard to NOT speak negatively. It’s hard to NOT
gossip. It’s hard to NOT think negatively.
We have to be very intentional and deliberate about being positive
and encouraging and we need help!
We need affirmation, we need encouragement, we need support but
is that the main drive behind everything we do?
“But when He was in Jerusalem during the Passover Feast, many
believed in His name [identified themselves with His party] after
seeing His signs (wonders, miracles) which He was doing.
But Jesus [for His part] did not trust Himself to them, because
He knew all [men];
And He did not need anyone to bear witness concerning man
[needed no evidence from anyone about men], for He Himself
knew what was in human nature. [He could read men’s hearts.]”
John 2:23-25
Jesus didn’t seek validation from man. He was content because
God validated Him!
“As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water.
At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of
God descending like a dove and alighting on Him.
And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love;
with Him I am well pleased.”
Matthew 3:16, 17
What just happened there? Jesus was being validated!
He wasn’t looking for applause or encouragement from man,
He came to accomplish the mission He was given by God!
We need to be careful when it comes to who we look to for
validation.
Man never created you, God did so He is the only one qualified
to tell you who you really are.
Your best friend may know you better than the average person
but that doesn’t mean they know the real you.
It may be argued that your family knows you best but it’s just
not true. They know you better than anyone else but they still
don’t know the real you.
God is the only One who knows you in and out!
You can’t even trust your own assessment of who you really
are because once again, you didn’t create you, God did! So stop
with the “this is the way I am” statements because your
assessment is not 100% accurate.
Think about a house for a minute. Let’s say you are selling it.
It would be crazy asking a friend or random
stranger to tell you what the value of the house is. You have to go
to the real estate agency to get an accurate value.
Stop letting people tell you what your value is.
Today you have an opportunity to make a decision.
Just because someone sees you one way doesn’t mean that’s
who you are. (that’s really good news!!)
That’s the way they see you and not the way God sees you.
Because we are flawed we see in part. No one sees perfectly,
just God, remember that.
You don’t have to confine yourself to the perceptions of others.
You can break out of that.
You can decide to be the person God has created you to be. Let
Him show you who you really are. I believe there is so much to
still discover about ourselves. If we stop at, “this is the way I am” or
believe someone’s assessment of who we are then we limit
ourselves. If God really created us (which He did) surely there is
more right??
Surely there is more to us than what people see? !!!!
And on that note I will stop here.
If you are struggling with a low self esteem and you need to talk to someone click on the
link below.
Bless you friends!
Rolain
kingspeech 