Grace Defines Me

Today, I was thinking about my worth and how I view it, what I base my value on.  Do I define myself through the eyes of others, myself or God’s?

I try to be as honest as possible, with everyone I know and through everything I do and say.  I want the way I live to be a reflection of who I am, a representation of my heart and soul.  Isn’t that how it should be?  But so often, I find myself basing my actions on how I want others to see me – and it’s not always honest.  For example, when I want someone to find me fun to be around, I have tried to do “cool stuff” that would make them think I’m trendy and hip.  It’s stupid how shallow my immoral self can stoop for the approval of others.

And the world encourages this by saying we need to find value in what others think of us.  Or by the decisions we make.  ”What you do defines who you are.”  But by putting my view of what I think I am over who God says I am is simply wrong.  Why?  Because when I do that, I am basically telling God that what I say is more important that what He says.

And this is what He says:

God says to find my worth in how He sees me.
He reminds me that He loved me while I was unfaithful.
And He continues to love me through the many times I fall short of His glory.

Trusting in this truth defines me.  My mistakes don’t define me.  Grace does.

Do you think that maybe God gets sad when He sees how we view ourselves and wonders, “What do you mean you don’t love who you are?  I worked so hard on you and to Me, you’re spotless and beautiful.”

Don’t let the shame of your mistakes cause you to walk away from God because you think you’re somehow unacceptable, not good enough, or damaged beyond repair.  Look past your shortcomings and see the beauty of His love through His sacrifice on the cross.  Nothing you do will ever be too big, too great for the cross to cover.  He forgives you no matter what.  No matter when.

Grace defines me.  

And with confidence, I can say “It is well with my soul for I am deeply loved by the One who made it.”