Sadly, many Christians suffer with low self-esteem. And the main reason, I believe, is that they don’t realize who they are in Christ. As Christians we are the constant target of Satan and his schemes and lies. One of his main tools to cause us to doubt just how very special we are to God is discouragement. If he can get you discouraged then he can cause your self-esteem to suffer and get you down. But when we realize who we are in Christ we can immediately defeat and cast aside all the fiery darts of the evil one. Not only that but we can encourage ourselves greatly in the Lord. My friends, as I have shared in several past devotions, next to the Trinity we are the hottest things in the universe. Please travel with me for a few minutes as I share with you just who the Bible says you are in Christ.
(Genesis 1:27) tells us: “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God, He created him; male and female He created them.” Neither animals nor angels are created in the image of God – only mankind is! God loved us so much that He created us in His own image. We are masterpieces of the Creator of the universe that no Picasso could ever paint or Rodin sculpt. We are image bearers of God and His ambassadors for Christ while here on earth. And as ambassadors we are entrusted by God to represent Him here on earth. What an awesome responsibility and privilege for God to think so highly of us that He would allow us to be reflectors of His glory here on planet earth. But in Christ that’s who you are.
(Deuteronomy 14:2) proclaims: “for you are a people holy to the Lord your God. Out of all the peoples on the face of the earth, the Lord has chosen you to be his treasured possession.” Did you know that Jesus considers you a treasured possession? While this verse was said to the people of Israel imagine just how much more it applies to New Testament believers? Well, Christ loved you so much that He died for you – You are His treasured possession. I am sure that all of us have our own treasured possessions. It may be a picture of a loved one, our marriage ring, or even our faithful dog. In all three of these cases, we cherish these treasured possessions. And that’s exactly what God does with you – His treasured possession – He cherishes you. In Christ, never forget, you are a treasured possession to God!
(Psalm 16:11) shares three special things with us: “You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” First, as Christians Jesus is our compass, our comforter, and a wonderful guide that will unlock the special path He has chosen for each of our lives. Second, the more we get into God’s presence the more joy that will flood our soul. And third, serving Jesus brings with it rewards and pleasures that this world can never offer us. When we are in Christ we get deep meaning on our journey, amazing joy as we travel through good and bad times, and pleasures that are simply out of this world!
(Psalm 139:17-18) asks us to ponder this amazing thought: “How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand…” When we are in Christ we have God’s promise that He has a myriad of precious thoughts toward each of us. In fact, there are so many we could never count them. And the thing that really excites me is that they are all good thoughts! (Jeremiah 29:11) says it so well: “ For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
In tomorrow’s Part II of this devotion, I will share four more special verses to deepen your understanding of just who you are in Christ.