So God created man in His own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female He created them. –Genesis 1:27
Have you ever hopped into your car and accidentally sat on your glasses? Or lost your wallet or car keys? Have you ever rear-ended someone while you were driving? Or forgotten an appointment? What is the first thing you said or thought to yourself? If you’re like me, it probably was, “You idiot!” Does that ring a bell? In fact, if you’re anything like me, you may have even uttered that phrase out loud. Fool, dunce, jerk…the names we call ourselves are endless!
But have you noticed what happens when things go well in your life? We live in a society that expects performance, and high performance at that. When you perform well, are you quick to congratulate yourself? You rock! You are the best! No one could do it better! When golfing with my family, my mom hit a great shot (one I would have loved to have had), landing the ball about 10 feet from the hole. Her first response, “I wanted to hit it closer.” I thought the shot was terrific, but she saw it as missing the cut.
The Bible says we are made in God’s image. He made you special and unique. He gave you the desire and ability to connect with Him. He created you for praise. He created you to enjoy every aspect of life in His creation. He created you to think. He created you with the ability to make choices. He created you to walk through life with Him and others. He created you to be thankful. He created you to grow physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. He created you in His image.
Stop putting yourself down. Each one of us must accept the creative and beautiful way the Lord made us. Sometimes we do things that do not reflect who God is in us, but that does not mean that we are all bad. We all have blind spots in our lives and we all have sin, but even through that, God made you in His image. You must accept your gifts and strengths, not only loving your neighbor, but loving yourself as well.
GOING DEEPER:
1. Why is it easier to put yourself down than it is to see all the good qualities the Lord has given you?
2. Make a list of at least 5 things God has gifted you with and thank Him for how He made you.
FURTHER READING:
Genesis 5:1-2; Matthew 25:14-30; Hebrews 13:5