Culture has a way of creating a dividing line. You are either “put together” or “thrown together”. In the 80s, I felt like I was put together. I had a mullet, parachute pants, and a gold earring in my left ear. Oh…I was happening! Culture tells us that if we look right, if we make the right money, if we live in the right part of town, then we are beautiful. But God has something to say about that idea.
In Psalm 139:13-16, God says we are unique. Indeed, we have been created from the inside out, not the opposite. God has known us since we were created in mother’s womb and we are created in His image. You are special in God’s eyes. He created you. You are beautifully and wonderfully made.
Jesus battled leaders during his ministry who were so caught up in outward appearances. Jesus sets them straight in Matthew 23:25-28. He says those who are over-interested in the outward appearance are like tombs. They may have flowers on the outside but inside, you are full of dead people’s bones.
So many of us deal with the negative words people place on us everyday. We’ve been called a terrible mom or an inattentive dad. We’ve been classified as a poor coworker and a leader who doesn’t know how. We’ve been told we are a selfish friend or that we are not talented.
But know this, you are created in the image of God. No words or plastic surgery can change that. Your worth doesn’t come from a bank account or how many people praise you. Your value is that God has called you His child.
No matter what the world says, nothing can ever change who you are in Christ Jesus. He loves you and has so much in store for you. Jesus came to give us life and life to the full. Embrace that truth today. Lean in to the love God has for you. Blessings on your journey.