“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (Psalm 139:13-14)

We live in a world where we are constantly being bombarded with messages telling us to be “better.” Whether this is physically or emotionally, it seems as though the media always has a new way for us to improve ourselves.

While self-improvement can be a good thing, it can also be very detrimental if we have the wrong motives. If we are seeking to please others, we will always fall short. There will always be a new product to buy or a new thing to try. We will never be enough.

As humans, we have a need to feel valued and loved. We want to feel like we matter to someone. Oftentimes, in order to meet this need, we will go to drastic measures.

When we hold what others think of us to a higher standard than how God sees us, we will be left feeling empty. We can fall into a viscous cycle that can ultimately lead to low self-esteem.

What does the Bible say about this? 1 Samuel 16:7 says, “But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his statures, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance but the Lord looks on the heart.’”

As Christians, we are to base our self-worth on what God thinks of us. After all, He created us!

Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

My question to you is this: Where do you go to build your self-esteem? Relying on material things will only bring temporary satisfaction. However, when we live in a way that values the connection we have with Christ above all else, we will be fulfilled.

I challenge you to apply this truth to your daily life. When you feel discouraged, remember that God loves us as we are, and we can find our identity in what He says about us.

Grand Canyon University is committed to guiding students to become socially responsible, compassionate servant leaders. To learn more about GCU’s Christian identity and heritage, visit our website or contact us using the Request More Information button at the top of the page.