Friday, August 20, 2021
“For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgement ,each according to the measure of faith that God Has assigned.” (Romans 12o ,ESV)
A Healthy Self Image by Donnie O'Fallon
“The Me I see, is the Me I’ll be!” Our perception, and the attitude about ourselves is one of the most important forces in our lives and to a large degree, will be the determining factor in the success or failure of your Christian life. SELF IMAGE is the composite, or the picture we carry of ourselves. SELF ESTEEM is the feeling we carry about our SELF IMAGE.
Illustration:
Ethel Waters sang His eye is on the Sparrow with The Billy Graham Evangelist Crusade, and also shared part of her story of how she came to know Christ as savior. Her mother and family lived in Harlem. She was born into that environment after her mother was raped. After giving her heart to Jesus and as she began to follow Him, part of her testimony became, “God re-made me and God don’t make no Junk”! We’re each one, made in the Designers image.
DIMENSIONS OF A HEALTHY SELF IMAGE
IT IS NOT A FALSE HUMILATION: “…thinking more highly …” that’s nothing more than inverted pride, and inferiority. An underestimation of one’s self will not do what God’s wants of them.
A SOBER ESTIMATION: Paul tells us in Romans 12:2, “Do not be conformed by this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds.” In Romans 12:3 we’re told to “Think with sober judgement…” which means to save to the mind. Humility is thinking of one’s self and it does not say, “I’m no good,” but rather says, “I am good by the Grace of God.” “It’s God that works and to do of his good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13. God deals to everyone a measure of faith. Bro - Eric Adcock, is really good at plying the guitar, but he works at all the time.
DISCIPLINES OF A HEALTHY SELF IMAGE
IT IS MEMBERSHIP: (12:4-5) “One body but many members with differing gifts…” You belong to other people. This means we have an accountability to one another. To build up the Body of Christ. There is no such thing as a Lone Ranger Christianity.
IT IS A STEWARDSHIP: (12:6-8), In verse 7, Grace gifts are mentioned. When God saved you he gave you a gift or multiple gifts. To “think more highly of one’s self” oft time means, one will attempt to do more than they’re gifted to do. Oft times one with a low self-image, will not even attempt anything. Remember, It’s a matter of stewardship, and every member is a minister serving one another. We’re all in the ministry exercising our gifts. One of the things God has called me to do is to help “equip the saints to do the work of Ministry.” ( Eph. 4:11-12). The difference between the Pastors and the laity is, “I get paid for being and doing good, your just good for nothing.” We must discover and deploy those Spiritual Gifts. They give in verse 8: Prophecy, Ministry- Doc, Admin Assistances, Staff, Acts of service, Ushers, Greeters… Nursery Workers - “they shall not sleep but they shall always be changed…, Exhortation, Giving, Ruling - Administrators, Organizers, Mercy.
IT’S A FELLOWSHIP: 12:9 -12, “Let Love be genuine and without hypocrisy.” It must be Pure, Personal, Passionate, Patient, Prayerful, or Practical. To have a healthy self-image, is to Know God’s Grace through a personal experience with The Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:8 tells us, “That God commended His love towards us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” I’m so glad I’m a part of the Family of God!
Prayer: “Lord Teach us who we are in You, Amen”!
