Most of us have heard those words, or similar, in our lives. Some of us have even said them in anger, disappointment or shaming. When the words come from those in authority or power over us, we see ourselves through their lens. And believe it.
But here is the problem: those are the opinions of flawed people and were often spoken out of those flaws.
God is the only One whose opinion of us is untainted by sin, whose vision clear, whose word is truth and who loves us unconditionally. Perhaps it is time to let His view of us inform our picture of ourselves.
HERE IS WHAT GOD SAYS IS RIGHT WITH YOU!
Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.
Philippians 4:8-9 The Message
How do we “Fill [our] minds with truth?” By speaking it – aloud. Strangely, we believe what we hear. Voiced truth has authority. Don’t let it weird you out: be brave. Tell yourself God’s truth. Aloud.
Then Jesus turned to the Jews who had claimed to believe in him. “If you stick with this, living out what I tell you, you are my disciples for sure. Then you will experience for yourselves the truth, and the truth will free you… So if the Son sets you free, you are free through and through.”
John 8:31-32, 36 The Message
Hear this wonderful truth set to music: Who You Say I Am
(Songwriters: Reuben Morgan, Benjamin Fielding)