Dear Lovely Reader,
I hope you are well and I thank God for your life.
We’re into the last quarter of the year and I pray that you will end 2020 in joy.
In the midst of global trouble, a lot of us may have questioned our identity and purpose. Our reaction and response to personal and world events has either strengthened or dampened self-worth. A lot of things we have placed our self-worth and security in have been shaken.
When we are stripped of security and placed in adversity, the one thing left is character.
It is important that we do not place our value in job positions, educational institutions, riches or wealth, possessions, skin colour, country etc. These things can never fully measure up to satisfying our souls as everything in this world is temporary and subject to change (2 Corinthians 2:18). However, it is difficult not to let our background and accomplishments validate us, because all our achievements make us who we are. I think self-esteem from our background should be minimal.
True self-worth and esteem is rooted and centred in relationship with God through Jesus Christ. The only way to know who we are is to love our creator. None of us are here on earth at this time by chance. We are all here on purpose for a purpose. We can’t look to ourselves to know who we are because we are imperfect. We’ll end up feeling empty. Human nature is always looking and striving for something perfect to place trust in consciously or sub-consciously. That innate need can only be filled by God, for He alone is perfect.
What makes us who we are is character. Character can be split into internal (mental and moral) qualities that are unique to a person. With just focussing on one internal quality in this post, we will see that character starts, flows and develops from the heart, soul and mind. Good character is developed by putting into practice the first and greatest commandment:
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind” – Matthew 22:37
Our heart, soul and mind form our character. When you love God fully with the above, you will begin to see who you are.
Tip 1:
Love the Lord your God with all your Heart
The Bible says that we should “Keep our heart with all diligence, for out of it springs the issues of life” – Proverbs 4:23. The heart is the source of good and evil and impacts our morals, values and character. The best way to guard our heart is to turn to the creator of the heart – Our Father in Heaven through his word.
I have found this verse beneficial in teaching myself to love God with all my heart:
“Receive, please instruction from His mouth, and lay up His words in your heart” – Job 22:22
Not only is this a command to receive the word of God, but also a plea which shows subtle urgency from God. That’s a special thing about God, He never forces us but will always draw us closer to Himself with loving kindness found in the Bible. God wants us to surrender our lives and hearts to choose Him. That is how we love God with all our heart. Just as love is a choice and action, good character development is also a choice through our response to adversity and requires the right actions to be made.
When you daily read and meditate on the word, you are building a foundation of God’s promises, truth, mercy, love, correction, righteousness, peace, holy standards and grace in your heart.
The deeper you immerse yourself in God’s word, His nature will burst out forth from your heart and will be evident to all through your character. This is one step I’ve learnt in discovering and knowing who you are because you will see that your heart will be strengthened to do good as seasons of life change.
Thanks for reading and stay tuned to the next post for the next tip!
Peace and every good blessing be yours in Jesus Name. Amen.
-Josie x
Loved this Josie! Thank you ❤