“When Yeshua noticed how the guests were choosing for themselves the best seats at the table, he told them this parable: ‘When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, don’t sit down in the best seat; because if there is someone more important than you who has been invited, the person who invited both of you might come and say to you, ‘Give this man your place.’ Then you will be humiliated as you go to take the least important place. Instead, when you are invited, go and sit in the least important place; so that when the one who invited you comes, he will say to you, ‘Go on up to a better seat.’ Then you will be honored in front of everyone sitting with you. Because everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but everyone who humbles himself will be exalted'” (Luke (Luk) 14:7-11 CJB). Humility is the best response to great reward and honor. People are not easy to love because they seek esteem.
There is an exceeding amount of emphasis on self worth and self esteem in wellness culture. Folks are taught to exalt their own talents and use these talents to manifest temporal rewards and esteem. While walking this latest journey, I dabbled in those self movements of wellness. In those movements, all things are not as Jesus said, “Humanly, this is impossible; but with God everything is possible” (Mattityahu (Mat) 19:26). Instead, all things are possible through ourselves. And this self worth and self esteem culture emphasizes our own importance over God’s.
My self worth and self esteem should be rooted in being a creation of His and not a creation of my own. I should humble myself to not only Him BUT to all others. Jesus was the most powerful, most worthy, and most esteemed person to ever live, however, His example does not show someone haughty or dismissive or arrogant. He is approachable and helpful and kind. Rather than focusing on elevating my self worth and self esteem, I should find solace in His with and esteem. His worth and esteem are what make me special and important. His calling is what sets me apart as one of His chosen people. Following His example is what makes me right with Him.
I will never be worthy of His grace. I will never have His esteem. BUT I can be a part of His glory in the ages to come. And all that is not rooted in me BUT in Him.
There is value in finding your worth and esteem BUT it should be rooted in His grace and mercy and love. Some folks want esteem for what they can accomplish, however, I am constantly reminded that without Him I have nothing. Some folks are not easy to love because their esteem is not rooted in Him.
Grace and Shalom to your home.
I love you. I forgive you. Have a blessed and abundant day!