A youth ministry initiative by RBC Ministries
where you can find devotionals and resources for youth.
A youth ministry initiative by RBC Ministries
where you can find devotionals and resources for youth.
reading from the playbook› Ephesians 1:4-7
Something that I hear discussed quite frequently these days is an individual’s self-esteem. “We must build a
positive self-esteem in our children,” some will say. Where do we gain this self-esteem? Too often, I fear that we buy into the idea that our personal value is determined by a formula similar to the following: My self-worth = my performance + others’ opinions of me. In other words, we base our values on things like material possessions, personal achievement, popularity, physical appearance, intellect, or some extraordinary talent. In determining whether or not each of us is a valuable human being, we draw from this “world account.” If my balance is low in these areas, I must not be worth much.
God has a significantly different set of standards upon which our value is based.
God has chosen us (Ephesians 1:4). Jesus came to this earth to seek and to save what was lost (Luke 19:10).
God has adopted us (Ephesians 1:5). Those who have placed their trust in the finished work of Jesus Christ have been adopted by God and made co-heirs with Christ.
God has accepted us (Ephesians 1:6). Though there is nothing that we can do to become acceptable to God, the righteousness of Jesus Christ is imputed to us upon our faith in Him.
God has redeemed us (Ephesians 1:7). We have been purchased and set free.
God spared not His own Son for us. That is how much we are worth.
—Bill Sampen, former major league pitcher
executing the game plan›
• Which account are you drawing from—the “world account” or God’s account?
• Why is it more important to be esteemed by God than to have self-esteem?
