“But here is how God has shown his love for us. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
-Romans 5:8 (NIRV)
Three years ago, I wrote a post called, “Made Worthy.” It was during a time that God started putting the idea over my heart that we are all made by him, and that meant we were worthy of love. That was during a season where I felt clarity, and to be honest, I can’t remember what specific time I was referring to. The thing that makes me laugh about that, is that I was certain I had a plan, but the reality was, my clarity was coming from understanding my worth. This has been a battle I face on a daily basis; my worth has been a stronghold that Satan has set up in my mind. Yeah, that sounds like a plot to some medieval story, and it sort of is. I have battled this idea that I am not worthy of love or the time of others. I know this isn’t true, yet at the same time, I let this fear creep in a control my actions. It normally manifests in a need for the approval of others, and it used to be so hard to not switch up my personality.
I would put on different “costumes” depending on who I was trying to gain the approval of. If you’ve ever seen the Lego Batman Movie (it’s fantastic and one of my favorite films ever), there is a scene where we get to see all of the crazy batsuits in his collection, each sillier than the last. That’s what it felt like for me, switching my suit for each situation. Then as it became clear that the expectations of others were never going to be met by me, and that’s when the crisis occurred.
I am so thankful for this moment, because what it revealed to me that I am worthy. God made me to be Joshua, not anyone else. I was throwing off the unique pieces of myself that God gifted me with. Over the past three years I have been growing with this new-found truth in my life, it’s a truth that is the same for you: you are worthy.
Claim your name.
We have all been given a name, and while it may be the same as someone’s, no one is just like you. You have been uniquely designed by a creative God. A creative God that wants to have a relationship so badly with you, that he sent his son to die for you and defeat death in order to have that relationship. No matter the mistakes or pain, he chose you. You are worthy, so claim your name. Be who you were created to be, because it is the best person you can be.
Claim the truth of scripture.
You are worthy of love, because you have been made by a loving God. All too often, we allow ourselves to see ourselves as being less-than or not good enough. You are enough, the God of the universe made you in his own image, and because that you hold a powerful beauty. This also means that those around you have been designed by God, we are all worthy of love. Understand that you are worthy, and be a light for others that they are worthy of love. This is contrary to an individualistic mindset; it’s the mindset of Christ. Claim the truth of what scripture says about you and be the light for the darkness that surrounds the people around you.
This is a shorter post, but it’s an ongoing lesson I keep learning. The enemy wants to make you think you can’t do it, but the truth is that you are worthy of God’s great love. You have a purpose here, so be uniquely you, the world needs you. Claim your name and claim the truth of scripture. Choose to live under the knowledge that you have been made in the image of God. Choose to love others and help lead them into that same power. Don’t let the enemy have a stronghold over your identity; you are worthy.
-Joshua Thomas
About the Author: Joshua Thomas is a writer by day and superhero by night. When he’s not writing and crimefighting, you can find him reading a good book, sipping warm tea, taking pictures, or dreaming. The young writer doesn’t fully know what he’s doing, but is enjoying the journey of it all. You can follow his hipster photos and Jack Kerouac musings on Instagram @joshua_thomas__
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