In the battlefield of my mind, I take every thought captive.
I had just given Rod a piece of my mind (and I don’t have extra to spare.) Sure, he had responded by going in the next room to meet my demand, but I didn’t feel good about the exchange. That’s when the unexpected thought exploded into my brain, “You’re more trouble than you’re worth.”
What?! Where did that come from?!
“You sure require a lot of patience and tolerance and forgiveness. Maybe Rod will get tired of dealing with you someday. Maybe God is tired of dealing with you and your character issues, too.” Whoa!
When Rod came back into the room I told him about the thoughts that were tormenting me, and he reassured me that I’m well worth the times he must deal with my faults. I assured Rod I felt the same about him and relaxed gratefully into his hug. But those lies from the Enemy left me a tad rattled. Who knew that poisonous messages could leap into my mind that quickly with that much impact?
Since this recent experience on the battlefield of my mind (to borrow a phrase from Joyce Meyer), I have discussed this unsettling mental attack with several people, and am beginning to believe it reflects a nearly universal fault line that lies just below the surface of our confident exteriors. Is it possible that many, if not most, of us harbor a secret fear that someday a loved one (or even God) may conclude we are more trouble than we’re worth and decide to abandon us?
How we represent God in our spheres of influence hinges on the strength of our foundational beliefs regarding our worth. How can we speak boldly and be taken seriously if our attitude is one of timidity or fear? If we don’t believe our thoughts or opinions matter or have weight, why share them at all? So, where do we derive our sense of worth, and why does that matter?
Our culture today tells us we are to be deemed worthy simply because we and the people who love us most say so. Period. Our Christian view stands in stark opposition. We are only worthy of love because the One who created us says in His eternal Word that we are. Jesus’ death on a cross for our sins proves God’s estimation of our worth. Only that fact gives us confidence that we are worthy of the faithful love of our spouse, patience when we need extra time to learn a new skill, and forgiveness when we blow it and cause others inconvenience. Not because we say so, but because God does.
The next time you or someone you know feels embarrassed about making a mistake, be patient. Remember that each of us is worth the time it takes to sort out blunders. Focus on God’s view of your worth. Then you will feel freedom to move boldly forward, and even to risk failure on a new venture. After all, “…absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.” Rom 8:39.
