“Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.”
Romans 15:7
Self-image is a common buzzword in schools today. Parents and educators are concerned about how a child views himself. We may question whether a Christian views this concept differently from those who do not know Christ.
While we commonly hear that we should accept ourselves as we are, this concept is different from the Bible’s teachings that we as Christians are accepted because of Christ’s shed blood. That salvation gives us the acceptance we will find nowhere else.
John 1:12 teaches, “As many as received [Jesus Christ], to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” Those of us who claim the Name of Jesus Christ are the sons and daughters of God and are co-heirs with Him to the infinite fortune God promises as an inheritance.
In John 15:15 Jesus calls His followers His friends. It is a truly awesome thought that we are the friend of the One who spoke the universe into existence with only His voice. He is not some impersonal, distant ruler, but rather the “friend that sticketh closer than a brother” of Proverbs 18:24.
Romans 8:1 teaches us that “there is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” While we may worry about getting in some trouble at work or with our families, it is liberating to know that God, as the great Judge, will never condemn us. He has already given the victory, and we must only lay claim to it.
When we discuss our self-esteem, it is easy to find ways we can make ourselves feel better, and all of us enjoy receiving complements. All of those words are really empty, and we know that deep down. We are depraved and fallen.
Rejoice today in the salvation in Jesus Christ. Because of His death, burial, and resurrection, we can enjoy a self-image covered in His righteousness so that our natural nature is replaced by Jesus’ own nature. The moment we were born again, we were given the best self-image ever, a picture of Jesus Christ Himself!