Go ahead.... appreciate yourself!!!

Is it wrong to appreciate yourself? Within our small group, we focus a lot on being others-centered, but last week we talked in-depth about our lack of appreciation for ourselves. In fact, the general consensus was if you're critical of yourself, chances are you'll be critical of others.

Why is it we have such an easy time appreciating all of God's creation except ourselves? He created us just as we are. He gave us gifts and talents unlike anyone else's. Are you hearing what I'm saying? It's okay to take a good look at yourself and say, "I am beautifully and wonderfully made!"

This whole topic stemmed from the question: Why are we afraid to live up to our God-given potential? We have giftings, we have dreams, we have plans, we have limitless potential... but often times we're afraid to move. The burning question is WHY??

In our society we tend to focus on our failures and shortcomings, and at the forefront of our minds is an ever-growing list of all the things we need to do better. I read an interesting story of a baseball player who realized only AFTER a career-ending injury that he had spent his whole career beating himself up over the things that he didn't think he did well enough. He never took time to enjoy all the many things he did well. Only after his career was over did he realize he missed out on the joy of the game (and his life) because of his attitude.

I think a lot of us are in the same boat. We may have an amazing God-inspired idea. We may even find ourselves getting enthused about the possibilities as it fits right in with the giftings and passion that God has given us. But then somewhere along the line, it comes to a screeching halt. We remember what we perceive as past failures, and we use that information against ourselves. We are painfully aware of all the ways we may not measure up. We remember every hurtful thing that's ever been said to us. And we quit before we start. Without ever having tried to succeed, we chalk this up as another failure. Where we are today has a lot more to do with our thinking than with our potential.

The bottom line? We need to take time to think about all the things we have done well. We need to appreciate ourselves for continuing to persevere through tough times. We need to take the time to be really happy about who we are. We need to believe what God says.... and the key to believing God? Abide in Him. If we are consumed by the world, we'll believe what the world says. Only when we're consumed by God, do we begin to believe what He says.