Drawn to the Gospel

The jury is still out on whether high self-esteem is ultimately good or bad for our wellbeing. One of the main issues is usually about how self-esteem is assessed. Our self-esteem is shaped by many factors: life experiences, relationships, and how we interpret them. Not to mention that the world around us continues to measure our value based on our performance, appearance, or status. With all that in the mix, it’s no wonder we often feel insignificant, overlooked, or never good enough.

But the gospel gives us a better lens to assess ourselves. Here’s what Paul says:

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:6-8)

Someone once listed the kind of things people would give their life for: children, country, company, a worthy cause, and their best friend.

But Jesus saw us at our worst, weirdest, and lowest, still gave His life for us.

As Christians, regardless of where we sit in the self-esteem spectrum, we must trust in the only assessment that matters: God’s esteem of us in Jesus. You may feel small or unseen, but in Christ you are completely known and deeply loved.

Reflection:

• How does the cross reshape the way I see myself today?
• What lies have I believed about my worth lately?
  

This devotion is sent weekly to staff during school terms. It has been lightly edited for a general audience.