Jeanie Martin Ministries

As a man thinks in his heart so is he. I interpret this Scripture to mean that as a man sees himself (or calculates himself to be) is how he values himself. How much you value yourself is your opinion of your self-worth. In your opinion of yourself, “How valuable are you?“

The Parable of the Prodigal Son provides a fine example of such reflections. At the beginning of the parable, we are told that one of the sons requested his share of the estate from his father; so the father gave him his share; (Luke 15:11-32). At this time, the son saw himself as wealthy and prosperous and he valued himself as such.

However, in a short time the son squandered his wealth in loose living. After his riches were depleted, there was a famine in that country. He was able to find a job, but it was beneath his standards. He was responsible for feeding the animals daily. The animals had plenty to eat while he had nothing. No one cared about his well being. That’s when the son came to himself and he decided to return home; (v.17).

In my mind’s eye, I imagined a distraught young man who was broken in many ways. As he was on his way to his father’s estate, I believe that he felt ashamed, weary, and he was famished. But, most of all, I’m pretty sure that he felt worthless because he didn’t make any investments to increase his net worth. Perhaps his father expected him to increase his profits and because he didn’t, his father would express his disappointment.

In the first column above, on the left side, I’ve listed a few negative accusations that people confess as truths pertaining to themselves. It’s possible that many of them suffer from low self-esteem because of past mistakes that they’ve made or negative words spoke about them by family members, friends, school bullies, or by some other authority figure(s). If we’re truthful, most of us have had at least one similar experience in our lifetime.

THE SOWER OF NEGATIVE SEEDS

Let us not forget that we also have an adversary, satan, the father of lies; (John 8:44). He’s masterful at deception. He sows seeds of doubt into our minds, and as long as we’re open to listening to him, he spews his venomous lies. He engages our thoughts for as long as we give our attention to him. He often uses repetition because he doesn’t have any new tricks. Just as he deceived Eve in the Garden of Eden; (Gen. Chpt. 3), he uses the same tactics on believers today–LIES! He does not discriminate when it comes to deception.

Negative seeds sown in the mind will take root in a person’s heart, and within its season negative fruit is produced. Wherever satan sows seeds they are rooted in lies; the lies are designed to produce feelings of doubt and confusion; (Matt. 13:3b, 19). The results of negative fruit produced on the inside can be seen on the outside because normally we tend to act out what we truly believe.

“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit”; (Prov. 18:21).

SPEAK THE TRUTH

It is vital for Christians to make positive confessions of our faith. The words of our mouth can either be a blessing or a curse. Proverbs 6:2 reads, “You are snared with the words of your lips, you are caught by the speech of your mouth.” The words that we believe are expressed out of the heart; (Prov. 4: 23).

MIND WARS

Another key element in speaking words of faith has to do with the transformation of the mind; (Rom. 12:2.) Renewing the mind is done primarily by reading God’s word. The Bible teaches us to replace erroneous thinking with God’s truth. Transformation takes place in the mind when the believer commits himself to read the Bible on a regular basis. It takes work on our part in order to conquer negative thinking. Connecting with like-minded people and attending Bible study, aids in helping us to gain a better understanding of the Scriptures.

THE SOLUTION

The Bible has a remedy for every human ailment, whether we have low self-esteem, doubt, or confusion, It’s a guide book filled with wisdom, truth, promises, parables, prayers, blessings and curses, and so much more. Within its pages, there are answers for every problem in life. Just as the prodigal son messed up and thought that he was worthless, the message to us is, God never feels that way about His children. Which lead me to the second column listed at the top of this page, on the right. This column is a reminder of the good thoughts God thinks about us, and the wonderful things that He has spoken about His children. It’s documented throughout the Bible.

VICTORY IN CHRIST JESUS

Renewing our minds takes work on our part.  In order to conquer negative thinking, we have to take the time to listen to what we’re saying, identify what we’re thinking, and reverse our speech. As our minds are being transformed (the work of the Holy Spirit), we begin to see ourselves as God sees us.

God has planned our future. His plan includes prosperity and success; (Jer. 29:11). Good things are in store for us. Believe it and start making positive confessions about yourself on a daily basis. Declare with your mouth all of the wonderful things that God has already spoken about you. If ever you’re in doubt about your identity, go to the Word of God and seek your identity in Christ Jesus; (1st Peter 2:9).  You are invaluable to God. You’re worth more than rubies, silver, and gold. You’re priceless! At least God thought so, He paid a high price for you. Beloved, you are deeply loved by God and nothing can ever change that!

My prayer is that you’ll lead a prosperous and healthy lifestyle. Your future depends on you!

Blessings to you

 

 

*The pictures shown in this article do not belong to Jeanie Shepard Ministries. I take no credit for them.