Establishing Your Worth
A devotional by Mirachelle Canada
“...walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God...”–Colossians 1:10 (ESV)
What does worth mean to you? What makes you feel worthy? By the world’s standards the worth of something or someone is established by is value, usefulness, or importance.
What does belonging mean to you? By the world’s standards belonging occurs when we feel welcome, respected, accepted, and treated fairly.
We want support and understanding and help when we need it. This establishes self-worth. The culture of belonging means an environment that supports these three elements: connection, contribution, and confidence.
As Christians, our sense of belonging is being a part of the body of Christ. Romans 12:4-5 (ESV) says, “For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.”
When we lose our sense of belonging we tend to lose our sense of worth too.
So, what does Satan do to keep us from belonging? He attacks our identity, purpose, and confidence.
Ask yourself this question: Who am I? The first thing most people answer with is their name. Your name is part of your identity. Identity gives us connection. Psalm 139:13-14 (ESV) affirms our identity in Jesus Christ with these words: “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”
Now ask yourself: What am I? Consider your best skill (writer, teacher, contractor, manager, etc.). Your best skill provides your contribution to the world. It gives you purpose. Ephesians 2:10 (ESV) invites our skillful work forth with “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
Next ask: Whose am I? The first thing to come to your mind should be God. Knowing to whom you belong gives comfort and security. Our belonging to God gives us confidence.
Who you are, what you are, and to whom you belong is wrapped up in God’s gifts of worth and belonging. But remember, we all have an enemy, and he doesn’t like who you are, what you do, or to whom you belong. This is why 1 Peter 5:8 (ESV) warns us to, “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
When Satan tries to destroy who you are, he’s trying to steal your identity. When he tries to destroy what you are, he’s trying to steal your purpose. When he tries to destroy whose you are, he’s trying to steal your confidence. He wants to make you feel unworthy. But all he can do is try. He can’t make you unworthy.
When you turn things over to and open up to God, He will give you His perspective. He’s always there to remind you that you are forever “worthy” of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice for your salvation. He made you and called you by name. He has a purpose and plan for you, and nothing can destroy your security in His hands.
So, whenever you feel doubt or wavery in your identity, purpose, or confidence (because you will), look again to God for His ultimately perspective of your worth because when you see fully, you’ll discover it’s not really about your worth at all. It’s about His desire to spend eternity with you.
Finally, worthy one, do as Colossians 1:10-12 (ESV) commands, and “...walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.” Amen!
Let’s Pray: Dear God, thank You for establishing my worth in You and giving me a place in Your heart to belong for all eternity. In you I live, and move, and having my being. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.
Song of Reflection: “Worthy” by Elevation Worship. Listen to it here.
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Author Bio:
Mirachelle Canada is a writer, playwright, screenwriter, and theatre director/producer. She resides in Northern Virginia with her feline Shiloh and loves hiking through Skyline Drive in the Shenandoah National Forest.
She earned her M.F.A. in Script & Screenwriting from Regent University and is an alumnus of Act One: Hollywood Film & Television Writing Program. Mirachelle is an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers’ National Chapter and Virginia Chapter where she serves as the treasurer. She hones her writing skills through The Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild and Your Novel Blueprint.
Along with her devotional contributions and occasional novelettes, she is working on her first historical fiction novel set in pre-WWII London, about an American vocal prodigy caught up in espionage, secret musical codes, and double agents disguised as friends.
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Connect with Mirachelle:
Website: www.mirachellecanada.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mirachellecanada/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mirachellecanada/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/miracan
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