When you look in the mirror, what do you see? Is it an image of…success or failure, courage or cowardice, contentment or dissatisfaction, fulfillment or disappointment, strength or weakness, a life of purpose or one just looking for a miracle?

Self-esteem is generally defined as confidence in yourself and/or in your abilities. But it’s a tricky path. Too much self-esteem leads to arrogance and pride. Too little causes feelings of unworthiness and self-loathing.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re a Christian. I’ve known many who struggle with issues of self-esteem, even to the point of having none at all. “I could never do that.” “I’m not good enough.” “Who am I kidding?” “It would take a miracle.”

God’s gifts are not earned but given.

Paul found this problem concerning gifts spiritual gifts. People were assigning each a value and importance as they determined. Some greater, some lower. And that carried over. One person’s gift made that person more important. Another’s made that person less.

But Paul cautioned, Do not think you are better than others. We each have different gifts, according to the grace given us. ¹ All are from the Holy Spirit who gives as He alone decides. ² And as Peter would add, Each is to be used to serve others.³

The same problem exists today. Some believe they are important because they have an “important” gift. Others believe they are unworthy because they have an unworthy gift or none at all. Some got the miracle while others did not.

Gifts and miracles are not the same.

But here’s where people tend to get it wrong. The gift is not the miracle. The gift is a door through which the power of God works to give strength, comfort and encouragement to others, bringing honor, glory and praise to Himself, not us.

And yet, there is a miracle, one that brushes aside arrogance and pride, unworthiness and loathing. One that shouts, I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. ⁴ For I have been made by God, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for me to do. ⁵

Figured it out yet? The miracle is…you.

 

Ciloa Forever!

 

Chuck
 

 

 

Chuck Graham is Founder and Executive Director of Ciloa, an international ministry devoted to encouraging others and teaching them how to encourage one another. He is also an author and speaker. Chuck and his wife, Beverly, live in Lawrenceville, Georgia, USA. Learn more about Chuck and Ciloa at www.Ciloa.org.

 

 

Footnotes: (1) Read Romans 12:3-8. (2) Read 1 Corinthians 12:4-11. (3) Read 1 Peter 4:10-11. (4) Read Philippians 4:13. (5) Read Ephesians 2:10.
 
Pictures: Banner: Waiting on the Sun, from an article by Dwayne Bell, published in the blog “A Friend of the King”. (1) Man Praying at Sunrise, photo by Cheryl Empey, freeimages.com.  (2) Photo by Abigail Keenan, Public Domain, Pixabay.com. (3) Cover of the notebook journal You are God’s Masterpiece by BBD Gift Designs.