One of the most dangerous misconceptions among Christians is that being humble means that we must have a negative self-image. While God certainly doesn’t want us to be prideful or egotistical, He also didn’t create us by mistake, and He doesn’t want us to consider ourselves inadequate.
There are currently more than 8.5 billion people on earth, and a recent study indicates that roughly 85% of them (7,225,000,000 people) struggle with low self-image. That number is absolutely staggering. If you are among that number who simply cannot see yourself the way that God sees you, ask for some help today. Your Father in Heaven doesn’t want you to devalue yourself. Instead, He wants you to find your confidence, identity, and self-worth in Him.
Psalm 139:13-15 (NIV)
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame is not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
2 Corinthians 10:12 (NIV)
We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.
1 Peter 3:3-4 (NIV)
Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beautify of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.
Pray This Prayer
Heavenly Father, I often find myself falling victim to comparison. I see what others have, how they look, and the lifestyles that they lead, and I assume that I’m somehow not as good as them. I often look at my physical traits, my lifestyle, and other things about me and my confidence crumbles. Help me to see my self-image the way that You see me. I know that You have created my innermost being, and You put me together in my mother’s womb. You have fearfully and wonderfully made me. Help me overcome comparison and not to try to define my worth by the things on the outside. Instead, I will find my identity, my confidence, and my self-worth in You. In Christ’s name, Amen.
Thank God
Heavenly Father, thank You for the care that You put into making me. I know that my physical makeup, my emotional makeup, and everything about me passed through Your hands. Thank You for loving me so much that You wanted to uniquely create me in Your image. Thank You for not comparing me to the rest of Your creation, choosing instead to take a personal approach to our relationship. Thank You for the gift of Your Son who brings me into relationship with You so I can find my true identity there. In His name I pray these things, Amen.