Dare 2 Share - It’s been said that ‘all truth is God’s truth’- I wonder if that is true? Actually, when it comes to psychology, that statement definitely applies. Because any counseling principle that works (or in other words ‘true’), is backed up in Scripture. Take for example the whole concept of self-concept. Psychologists didn’t discover that notion, King Solomon did! Check it out:
For as he (a person) thinks in his heart, so is he…(Proverbs 23:7)
In other words, oftentimes the way you think of yourself reflects heavily in your actions. Now certainly we as believers don’t go for that current self-love psychobabble, but clearly there is definitely a connection between self-concept and service to God and others. So let me throw some self-perception tips your way, and show you where the Bible backs it up.
1. Identify your strengths and your weaknesses. Accept those weaknesses which can’t be changed and change those which you want to change. Acknowledge your strengths and use them wisely.
As God's messenger, I give each of you this warning: Be honest in your estimate of yourselves, measuring your value by how much faith God has given you. (Romans 12:3)
2. Accept your right to life and your equality with others and cultivate a sense of belonging. Love and be kind to yourself. Respect the rights of others and do not use other persons or allow yourself to be used.
Jesus replied, " `You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: `Love your neighbor as yourself.' (Matthew 22:37-39)
3. Know right from wrong and negative from positive.
Then God instructed the people as follows:
"I am the LORD your God, who rescued you from slavery in Egypt.
"Do not worship any other gods besides me.
"Do not make idols of any kind, whether in the shape of birds or animals or fish. You must never worship or bow down to
them, for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God who will not share your affection with any other god! I do not leave unpunished the sins of those who hate me, but I punish the children for the sins of their parents to the third and fourth generationsI lavish my love on those who love me and obey my commands, even for a thousand generations.
"Do not misuse the name of the LORD your God. The LORD will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name.
"Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9Six days a week are set apart for your daily duties and regular work, but the seventh day is a day of rest dedicated to the LORD your God. On that day no one in your household may do any kind of work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you. For in six days the LORD made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; then he rested on the seventh day. That is why the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy.
"Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the LORD your God will give you.
"Do not murder.
"Do not commit adultery.
"Do not steal.
"Do not testify falsely against your neighbor.
"Do not covet your neighbor's house. Do not covet your neighbor's wife, male or female servant, ox or donkey, or anything else your neighbor owns." (Exodus 20:1-17)
4. Always think through the consequences of your actions carefully and never lose sight of reality. When you have made your decision, communicate it assertively to those who need to know and take full responsibility for the consequences of your actions.
If you are wise and understand God's ways, live a life of steady goodness so that only good deeds will pour forth. And if you don't brag about the good you do, then you will be truly wise! (James 3:13)
5. Remember that ups and downs are part of any normal life.
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have
overcome the world." (John 16:33)
6. Be honest with yourself and accept that the truth will not always be pleasant to face, neither does it always have to be spoken. Learn the art of forgiving yourself and of forgiving others.
But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong. (I John 1:9)
7. Stop feeling sorry for yourself and wallowing in self-pity––that gets you nowhere.
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. (I Corinthians 16:13)
Hopefully these will get you thinking about yourself (and your life) the way God intended.
Questions:
1) How is your self-concept?
2) Is your view of yourself based on the Bible?
3) How can having a strong self-concept affect your witnessing efforts?
