More Than We Imagine

Read 1 John 2:28–3:3

"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!" - 1 John 3:1

Reflection of Tommy:

Many today, including Christians, being deceived by Satan into believing that the basis of their worth is their performance and their ability to please others. We seek ways to be masters at “playing the game” to be successful, to win approval of others and to get what we want.

Failing to do so, we experience the pain of disapproval and withdraw into a shell of hurt, misery, numbness or depression. Nothing is clearer than the equation below that reflects Satan’s lie to many of us today:

Self-worth = Performance + Others’ Opinions

But, as we read in 1 John 3:1, we can trust God’s complete acceptance of us as His children (v1), allowing Him to truly free us from our dependency on success and the approval of others. We’ll realize that having a healthy sense of self-esteem and worth doesn’t rely being successful or good at pleasing others.

We know our self-worth has freely and conclusively given to us by God, not men. Therefore, we will have the attitude saying “It would be nice to be approved by so and so, but if they don’t, it’s alrite, I’m still loved and accepted by God!”

Dear Father, thank You for reminding me that the life of a follower of Christ is a process to be more and more like Him (Romans 8:29). Thank You for showing to me that true faith always result in good deeds – consistently do what is right (v28-29).

Father, remind me always that my ultimate destiny is to be like Christ completely when I see Him face to face (1 Corinthians 13:12); motivating me to purify myself to be free from the corruption of sin. Jesus, lead me to Your way, a way to a renewed hope, joy and purpose in my life. In Your Name I pray, Amen.