“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.” – Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)

We tend to be harder on ourselves than we should be–demeaning ourselves while simultaneously seeking approval. We can go through life thinking and believing we are not good enough, looking to others for validation and approval.

However, our personal identity isn’t derived from other people’s opinions. God made us in His image, and since we are His creation, He gets to define us. His goal for us is that we accept the love He has bestowed on us and that we live for Him. The purpose of every believer is to glorify God and enjoy Him.

We can be hurt by the words people say to us, and we can let that judgment cloud our minds and block us from seeing how wonderful we are in God’s eyes. Others’ damaging opinions are indeed hard for us to dismiss. Yet, setting our hearts on the Word of God can help us see that we are worth more to Him than anything.

“And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever. And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.” – Isaiah 32:17-18 (NIV)

We may long for success and control. Yet, instead of always seeking the next thing on this earth, we need to recognize that God does not measure our worth in earthly measurements. The grace that He has given us of identity and worth has liberated us from always needing to seek the approval of others. The recollection of this can remind us to seek things vertically, toward Him, rather than searching for things horizontally, toward earthly idols.

Seeking the righteousness of God will bring true fulfillment and let us finally be at peace. We can dwell in His presence knowing that we are good enough because we were designed by the King of Kings. He will never leave us or forsake us, and the only judgment we need seek is from Him and Him alone. Our lives are in God’s hands and always will be.

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