You Are Not What You Do!

Have you ever experienced a day when a lot of things went really well for you? Have you experienced a day in which you handled everything that came your way just superbly? Perhaps, before I get too carried away, let me just say, "Have you ever had a really great day?"

How did you feel about yourself at the end of that great day? Did you take pride in your achievements? Did you feel confident in your abilities? Did you value yourself more than the day before? Did you feel more worthy?

On the other hand, have you ever had a lousy day, in which it seemed like nothing went right for you? Have you had a day in which you made a number of mistakes? At the end of that lousy day, how did you feel about yourself? You probably felt less confident and less worthy than the day before.

It is perfectly normal to feel good when we do things right or when things go well, just as it is normal to feel a little discouraged when we don't do things right or when things don't go well. But, your self-image and your self worth should never, ever, be based on what you do or what you don't do.

People often base their low self-image on things they do or fail to do. They say things like, "Darn it, why'd I do that?" or "Oh, why didn't I do that?"

Perhaps you have heard the statement, "You are not what you do." I believe that statement is true, but there are countless people who just do not believe it. They refer to themselves, and to others, by what they do. They label themselves and other people by saying things like, "He's an accountant," or "she's an advertising rep." They say, "I'm a cook" and "He's an athlete."

All of those statements just list occupations. And, if you base your self worth on what you are doing, then what happens to your self worth when you no longer do it anymore? For example, suppose you were a major league baseball pitcher. If you based your self worth on that alone, what happens when it is time to retire? Then what would you think of yourself? What kind of self- esteem and self worth would you have then?

You are not what you do!

Match making services remind people that if you are looking for a long term relationship then you need to look at who the person is, not what they do. They tell their clients that what makes people fall in love is "who" you are, not, "what you do."

But you and I know that for so many, many people, their self worth and their self- identity is based on their job and their corresponding income. It's a good thing that one of our greatest presidents did not have that kind of an attitude.

He came from a very poor family, had a hard life, and was unsuccessful. His business failed twice and he went bankrupt. During a period of 26 years, he was defeated 9 times for the legislature, Congress, and the United States Senate.

But, he was elected as our 16th President. And, Lincoln once said, "The path was worn and slippery, my foot slipped from under me, knocking the other out of the way, but I recovered and said to myself, it is a slip and not a fall."

I heard a Bible teacher once say, "The reason people are so miserable is because they can't stand themselves." How true that is. And I would add that if they only knew who they really were it would be a new day for them!

The Scriptures plainly speak of "who" a Christian really is. It has nothing to do with your actions or your particular job. It has everything to do with what Christ did for you.

If more Christians would accept who the Bible says that they are, their self worth would skyrocket! The Epistles point out that every born again Christian, in God's eyes, is acceptable, holy and without blame, a child of God, and cannot be separated from His love!

The Bible teaches that Christians have already been made righteous. But, sadly, so many times religion focuses on sin and condemnation which makes people feel unworthy. This leaves Christians with a low self-image and very little self worth.

You are not what you do!

Even when we fall short and sin, we are still righteous in God's eyes. And what so many fail to realize is that what you really believe about yourself has a dynamic effect on your success in all areas of your life.

So whether you have a good day or a bad day; whether you are a major league pitcher or you've just declared bankruptcy, just remember that in God's eyes, you are special, you belong, you are His dear child and He made you righteous!