Most of us take our cues from our friends—if they think you’re special, then you think so too. If they tell you you’re mean, or selfish, or too sensitive, then you will begin to agree. And if they see you as someone else’s “better half,” then that will be what matters to you.
But the only thing that matters is how Jesus sees you.
Does He decide your worth based on your gifts and talents (which came from Him), or based on your personality (also a gift), or your relationship status, or—what nearly every man builds his identity on—his job?
No. Jesus looks at who you are IN CHRIST.
Consider this paraphrase of 1 Corinthians 7:17.
“God, not your marital status, defines your life.” You might also paraphrase it as: “God, not your relationship status, defines your life.”
We should find our worth, our self-esteem, in Jesus: He loves you, He has a plan for you, He made you for a purpose, He died for you, forgives you, and declares you blessed. That is what matters. The opinion of the Creator of the Universe is the ONLY opinion about you that matters.
Are you married? It doesn’t matter.
Are you single? Doesn’t matter.
Dating? Doesn’t matter.
Are you a huge, famous, wildly admired success story? Doesn’t matter. (And many who are super-successful can tell you that it does not satisfy.)
Are you a failure? Doesn’t matter.
Are you rich? Doesn’t matter.
Are you poor? Doesn’t matter.
Are you strong, weak, talented, average, genius or not?—None of that matters.
The only “metric” with which to measure your life is who you are in Christ.
Read His word. Study His word. Memorize His word and ask Him to help you see yourself the way He sees you: redeemed, blood-bought, sanctified, given gifts, and destined for greatness and glory in heaven.
“And don’t be wishing you were someplace else or with someone else. Where you are right now is God’s place for you. Live and obey and love and believe right there. God, not your relationship status, defines your life.” 1 Corinthians 7:17, The Message.
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Household Words: 