A thought by Louie Giglio, from his book, Don't Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table. (p. 57). Thomas Nelson, Kindle Edition. (Click on the book title to go to Amazon to buy the book.)
Please, let's not believe that lie.
Louie say, "Now, we’ve got to be really careful about this lie, because Scripture calls us to be humble. But as it’s been well said: humility is not thinking less of yourself; humility is thinking of yourself less. We easily get these confused by thinking it honors God for us to think less of ourselves. But nothing could be further from the truth. You are made in the very image of God. That staggering reality doesn’t cause us to strut around and grow an 'it’s all about me' persona. But it doesn’t leave us wallowing in the misery of 'I don’t measure up to anything' either. These two outcomes are where the Devil wants to lead you. Either to an overinflated ego or to an underappreciated sense of just how significant and valuable you are."
Louie goes on, "In this instance, I’d love to encourage you if you tend to gravitate toward the latter camp—you just don’t feel like you’re enough. No matter what you’ve accomplished, or how much truth from God’s Word you’ve heard over the years, you just don’t believe you’re enough.
"Maybe someone told you you’d never amount to anything. Or maybe a spouse walked away. A parent bailed. Or the right man or woman you’ve longed for never walked through the door. Maybe you’ve always wished you looked like someone else. Or had the gifts that a friend has. Or maybe a dump truck of guilt backed into your story at some point and unloaded a pile of shame on you. No matter how hard you try, no matter what you do, in your mind it’s never enough. And if you feel that way, certainly everyone else heartily agrees. Oh, sure, they’re nice to your face. But you know how they really feel."
He continues, "Here’s the thing: you need to know the 'not enough' anthem was composed in the pit of hell. It’s crippling. Debilitating. Paralyzing. Suffocating. It didn’t come from the Good Shepherd. If you’re hearing it and repeating it, there must be an Enemy at your table.
"This lie isn’t a reflection of true humility. It’s a club that beats you over the head. This lie whispers to you that you’re useless. You will never have what it takes. Have you been called to lead a small group at your church? This lie insists it can’t be done. Have you been called to lead your family with integrity and compassion and kindness and strength as a wife and mother who follows God? This lie tells you that you’re not good enough; you’re never going to amount to anything, so don’t even bother trying. Do you believe that God loves you because He created you and calls you His beloved child? This lie tries to convince you that you’re a spiritual reject. You’re a worthless sinner who’ll always be a worthless sinner. You’re not God’s child. He hates you."
He then says, "Instead, look across the table. Lock eyes for a moment with the One who’s sitting across from you. Do you see scorn and feel shame, or do you notice the scars on the hands that hold your water glass and the pitcher that’s being lifted to fill it with a refreshing drink? Sure, Jesus is holiness personified, but the Holy One invited you here. Booked the table. Prepared the meal. Sat down to join you. And this reservation cost Him everything."
And that fact proves your worth to Him, doesn't it?
Yes, yes!
Comments
Post a Comment