The Word of God invites readers to explore the character of God. By investigating God, we may also learn about our own character. We’re to read and comprehend the Bible’s depths, beauty and mystery.
Depending on what we’re facing in our lives or how we view ourselves, we tend to focus only on the scriptures that speak of how flawed we are. The book of Psalms says we’re sinners from birth, so if the Bible says we’re scum, then it’s hard not to believe it. But, the Word also says we are beautiful, beloved and mighty in Him. We have to see both sides of the story. Yes, we were sinners from birth and we still struggle with sin every day, but Christ has redeemed us. He has restored our soul. 1 Corinthians 5: 13 says we are a NEW creation in Christ. The old is gone and the new has come. If we are to believe the truth of the scriptures, we have to learn to believe the reality.
James 1: 22 says that if we only hear the scripture, but don’t act as if it is true, then we’re deceiving ourselves. How many of us are walking around being misled because we’re still holding on to this idea that we’re a horrible, ugly person? James describes this deception as looking in the mirror, and then walking away and forgetting what you just saw. This would be like placing a big red clown nose on your face and walking around school acting as if you aren’t wearing it (and it’s not Halloween). You’d receive all kinds of strange glances; people may whisper to each other about your nose, someone might even make a snide comment. It’s hard not to notice, but you’re acting as if it’s not there. That’s silly!
Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently on his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.
James 1:22-25
The same goes for looking in the mirror and NOT seeing how beautiful, beloved and mighty you are. The bible says you are a reflection of God. You’re a light to the world. He lives in you; therefore YOU are RADIANT! So, don’t walk around school acting as if you’re not. Don’t sit in class being deceived by the idea that you’re ugly or worthless. Instead, know your own worth and ACT like you know who you are! Hold your head high!
James says be DOERS of the Word. Doers present God’s truth through their actions, stance, voice, character and love. They don’t let their life, the world or circumstances push them down. Instead, they stand firm in God’s truth. Doing His will. Knowing their worth. So, go out and be a DOER of the Bible. Let your life be a beautiful reflection of God’s impeccable character!
It’s easy to be discouraged and not swayed to stand firm in your worth because Satan doesn’t want you to know and understand your own value. So, remind yourself of your beauty and worth every day as often as you can. It’s important for you to know who you are so you can be effective and open to receiving all He has for you:
- Download some of our scripture verses from our Facebook page and place them on your social media so you’re reminded of your worth every time you’re connecting with a friend online.
- Write your favorite scripture verse on your school notebooks, textbook covers and binders.
- Place a mirror in your locker and reflect on your beauty every time you go to your locker.
- Write a message of encouragement to yourself on your bathroom mirror.
- Make the wallpaper on your computer and phone a favorite image of you – one where you simply radiate as a true reflection of Christ’s character. Then observe your own beauty every day.
