Being Evaluating
“As for me, it matters very little how I might be evaluated by you or by any human authority.” 1 Corinthians 4:3
I’d like to say that I have grown-up and now at the ripe old age of 45, “it matters very little how I might be evaluated” by someone. I like to claim this as my truth but I can’t, not yet. OK, I have grown-up a little, not completely, but progress has been made. Paul has learned the simple truth I long to claim as my own: the only opinion that matters is that of the One and Only.
Most of my life has been lived in insecurity and a longing of the approval of others. The sickness went as far as to making sure everything on my person was “just so”: make-up, hair, and updated fashions. I would not ever leave the house in grungies and without make-up. It went further than appearances.
Because I struggled in school, I believed everyone was smarter than me. If everyone was smarter than me, surely they were better than me therefore I need not try-out for sports, cheerleading or anything else that interested me.I lived under the umbrella of these lies until I begin to study and apply to my life the truth of God’s Word. The transforming of my mind began in my early 30s.
Through numerous ordained circumstances, I responded to God with a yes and began to have quiet time every morning. Little by little God began to replace my lies with His truth. With mercy and tenderness He pointed out my shorting comings and sin. He forgave me and I accepted His forgiveness. My certain deliverance was set into motion.
I still give way too much credit to what others think of me than I should, but through Christ, progress is being made. I am learning that my confidence and competence comes from Him. I now will venture out in grungies. I even went to Bible study a few weeks ago wearing yoga pants, my husband’s over-sized sweat shirt, and crocs. I have also be seen at my local Target without make-up, < GASP>
It will be a great day when faced with these recurring lies that I can respectfully say, “it matters very little how I might be evaluated by you or by any human authority, I have the approval of my Lord Jesus Christ and in Him I stand confident, competent, and complete.
P.S. I had to throw in The Message translation of this scripture. It was too good not to share.
Wendy, it was as if I had wrote these very words that just blessed me this morning. Thank you for sharing and blessings to you!
Thank you Wendy for your words today. I have lived that way for so much of my life but God is working on me and I know he’s not through with me yet! God is so amazing!
Wendy, this post says it all! I have been blessed by the Lord with strengths and weaknesses and I embrace who He made me to be! I am His! Some have commented on my ability to be me without thought to other’s opinion, even calling me brave…but I let them know my hope is in the Lord! He gives me strength! He knows my heart…for good and bad! He will be my judge and evaluator! Thanks for sharing!
So perfectly presented to me in God’s perfect timing. I came from a father who relentlessly criticised and rejected me and so I immediately think that others are superior to me. I went to a dinner party last night and felt this very struggle. Putting others standards on myself and giving my power away. I can give people so much power they don’t have. So important to know who you are in Christ and to take Christ to every situation and to value your own uniqueness.
Thank you for your God inspired lesson, the holy spirit uses you daily. Thank you for sharing so others can grow !