Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained, that we should walk in them.

So, how is your self-worth doing today? Or maybe your lack thereof? That’s something a lot of us frequently struggle with. The society we live in creates an illusion of who we are “supposed” to be. The way we look, dress, act, speak; our “level of influence”, the amount of our paycheck, what talents we do or don’t have… All these things determine, “according to the world”, our worthiness. That causes many of us, at one time or another in life, to question just how “valuable” we are. I bet many of you can testify engaging in promiscuousness, drugs, tobacco or alcohol (just to “fit in” with the crowd), looking anywhere & everywhere for acceptance, or for the love you so desperately craved. Maybe you’re still doing that today. I’m here to tell you, it’s a vicious cycle, & you WON’T win… I know, because I’ve been there, too.

The Devil tries daily to destroy your faith, your self-esteem, & your testimony, if you are a born-again believer, a child of God. He can’t have your soul, but he can sure make you a miserable Christian, & cripple your ability to do mighty things for God. In the Bible, Paul speaks about his goal to help others realize this very important FACT: You’re complete!

Colossians 1:27-28 "...to whom (the Christians) God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery (salvation) among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. We proclaim Him, admonishing every man (and woman) and teaching every man (and woman) with all wisdom, so that we may present them complete in Christ. (Italics mine)

When Jesus sees you, He see His righteousness! Are you imperfect according to the world’s standards? You BET you are! We all are! Why else would we need a Savior? But that’s not the way GOD sees us, because His Son (Jesus) took care of that at the cross.

God gives us a daily dose of grace. Every day. Let’s learn to receive it, so we can carry on & be all that God wants us to be, by letting Him live through us. It’s not OUR job to be perfect. It’s our job to let HIM be the victor! As a preacher friend of mine says, “It’s not about you, it’s not about me, it’s all about Him!” Once we understand that, we are set free! Quit chasing after perfection, & then beating yourself up when you can’t achieve it.

I’ve found out that getting older has a way of “improving” us. While the world tries to prove we are digressing & losing our worth here on earth, I am here to testify: Each day we live in Jesus we grow stronger, wiser & better! Don’t fall trap to the world & its “status quo”. I used to be a model in my younger days. HERE’S a big secret: Can anybody say “airbrush”?

The only “brush” I accept on my life is the artistry of God. We are a blank canvas when we come into this world. There begins a fight for our soul at that very moment. Our canvas becomes tattered, bent & marred when sin enters our life. But that blackened canvas is no problem for God! Once you turn to Him, it is His pleasure to begin His work in you. You are His masterpiece of mercy! He knew you before the foundation of the world! (Psalm 139:13-14) You think you have flaws? Anything that you perceive to be a flaw is there for one purpose only: To bring glory to the One who made you!

God turns broken pieces into Masterpieces! No matter what you’ve been through, no matter how broken you’ve been, or may even be right now, GOD sees you as a masterpiece in the making! Don’t let your past or present situation define who you are in Christ! God’s Word is FULL of truth to contradict what your faulty feelings or shout-outs from the world are trying to get you to believe! Search for those truths & make a list to read daily! Get in His Word if you want to know who you REALLY are! I suggest starting in Psalms or 1 John.

There is, however, work to be done on our part. God wants us to put our feet to our faith. We must search our hearts (Psalm 51:10; Psalm 139:23-24) and turn to Him. And by the way, if you have not accepted Jesus as your Savior, just know that God is quite the gentleman. He will not force His way into your life. Every heart has a door. He stands & knocks (Rev. 3:20). Let Him come in! Invite the Master to begin a good work in you today! (Philippians 1:6)