I talked with someone recently who didn't see themselves with much value. In fact they told me that their mother hated them from the time they were born. Now many decades later, that belief still dictates their self-worth. It's amazing to think that a parent can have this much power over a child even years later. Yet it's true. What we say and do towards our children can either build them up or can destroy their worth.I've learned that there is a fine line between humility and low self-esteem. I've know many humble people and also many who appear to be humble but have no self-worth. They think very little of themselves. Maybe it's because they were raised in a large family and felt forgotten or unwanted. Maybe they had circumstances in their lives that made them feel unloved or abandoned. Truth is, there are too many people who don't believe that they have any worth to anyone!
"What's the price of a pet canary? Some loose change, right? And God cares what happens to it even more than you do. He pays even greater attention to you, down to the last detail - even numbering the hairs on your head! So don't be intimidated by all this bully talk. You're worth more than a million canaries." (Matthew 10:29-31, The Message)
To God we have infinite value, and I mean all of us! We have value not because someone on this earth thinks so (and it's true whether you believe it or not that there is at least one person on this earth who thinks a lot of you!) but because God thinks so. It's God who created you, the unique you. After you were created, God broke the mold. There will be no other exactly like you. You have worth because you were imagined and hand-created by the Creator!
So are our children.
They may look like us. They may have our characteristics, develop our character and habits, but they were created by God. And one of our jobs as parents, grandparents, mentors, spiritual family members is to help these children grow up with a healthy self-worth. We must help them know that they are loved by us and by God. Everyone is, including you! And who doesn't like to hear that they are loved and worthy?
By the way, you look like a million canaries!
Because you are worth it!
Tell someone that today!
Peace ><>
pc
2 comments:
Thank Pastor Chris. I needed that today! I appreciate my kids every day and I am filled with joy as I see them grow as one of God's children!
I think love is the most important word in the English language or any other language. We just need to spread it around more often. No matter who or what you are you need to know that you are loved.
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