Finding Your Own Image

"However much we guard against it, we tend to shape ourselves in the image others have of us." --Eric Hoffer

How often do you find yourself, when you really think about it, limiting yourself to what others think you are worthy of, or capable of? While this may only be a minor problem in some cases, it can very easily become a major one. For example, you may find a job that really makes you happy. You may find a major in college in something that you find you are really good at and really enjoy. However, maybe your friends or family are telling you that taking that job isn't a good idea because you "aren't right for it". Or, that degree isn't such a good idea, it is "so hard to make the cut".

Your family and friends may mean well, but the advice they are offering is different from say, "That company may not last, so really think about taking that job". Or, "You know, it can be really tough to get a job with that degree". Such advice is rooted in your best interests and should be considered. However, advice that limits your capacity or self-worth is advice we should avoid giving as friends, and avoid taking.

If you find yourself not accepted by your peers because of the way you dress, because of your grades, or perhaps because of lack of athletic ability, this often dramatically shapes the way you view yourself. You may find yourself not feeling worth their attention.This works in reverse too, people with money, athletic ability, etc., often feel trapped into a life where they must always be the "popular" one. Then, when the friends are gone, they discover their identity was completely defined by their friends and are often unable to develop their own identity.

This is true in one more case also. Your past. If it is full of failures, sin, or bad decisions, then people may look down on you. If that is the case, you may find yourself walking away from some great opportunities because you are afraid that if someone found out about your past, it would be gone.

Well, let me tell you first, that if people can't know your history and still accept you for who you are NOW, then they are not worth your trouble. Furthermore, if people try and define you by your past, walk away from them. They will only hamper your growth and keep you from developing.Then of course their is the trump card if you will. God. God accepts you for who you are. Did you know that? I hope so. God's concern isn't your past, He knows that it is done. His concern isn't with your future, that will happen as it happens. What He is concerned about is your now. What He cares about is you, not the you that you used to be, the you that you are. He considers you just as important as any other of His children. He didn't die more for the Apostle Paul than He did for you.

So NEWS FLASH you are every bit as important as the next person. Your past is just that, your past. Your self-worth does not need to be defined by your past or the perceptions of those around you. The only thing that is important is how God sees you. Try defining yourself by that standard and you will find that indeed you are worth so much, that the God who spoke the universe into creation, sent His only son to die that you might spend eternity with Him.

If you're interested, there is more information about:
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Contributed by Damon Armeni
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