We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10
Hundreds of books have been written about how to build self-confidence and self-esteem. Magazines and newspaper articles give self-help advice. Seminars, videos, and television shows are in tended to help people improve their self-image. There is no shortage of ideas, suggestions, and plans to help people feel good about themselves.
Paul, in writing to the Ephesian believers, gives us God’s way of developing a better self-image. In the two verses before Ephesians 2:10, Paul says that it is not by our good works, but through our faith in the crucified and risen Lord Jesus Christ that we are delivered from the penalty of our sins. Salvation is a free gift, not earned by or deserved because of the good things we do. The fact that God would punish His Son for your sins immediately grants you VIP status with God! As a child of God, you have been given tremendous worth.
But coming to faith in Christ Jesus is just the beginning. Ephesians 2:10 gives us a key to developing a better self-image – doing the good works God prepared for us to do. You may experience great frustration and lack of fulfillment if you find yourself in a boring and unchallenging job. You may have trouble seeing yourself as valuable and important. However, walking in godliness and obedience and doing the good things that God has uniquely called and gifted you to do will cause you to develop a better self-image… and more importantly, you will be bringing Him glory! Look for opportunities to use your abilities for God’s purposes, and depend on Him to lead you and work through you.
Oh God, thank You for loving me so much that You had Jesus die for me! Thank You for raising Him from the dead so I could have a new life. Help me today, and every day, to see myself as valuable and important. Help me do the good things You have prepared for me to do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thank you - Dennis Nunn