It is one of those terms the world uses a lot. Apparently, we should think highly of ourselves, lest we become depressed and have poor mental health. But what does God call us to in regards to who we see ourselves as, to what we deserve? Honestly, we are all filthy rags in need of burning. On our own, we are fit for nothing but burning! That's what we deserve: hellfire. God, however, calls us to freedom and from glory to glory through His mercy and grace. Suddenly, we are transformed from filthy rags to tapestries of pure silk. We are lifted from the miry pit and made to be more than conquerors! Yet, this is NOT done to improve self image: it is done for God's glory.
He transforms our being so thoroughly that we know it must be all His working. We have seen His glory come into our lives, seen the manifestations of His transforming power at work in our habits, our addictions, our thoughts, and in every single facet of our lives. He does not do this work to make us "feel good." He does this so that we will testify about what we have seen.
Peter and John were brought to stand before the Sanhedrin and were told in certain terms to shut up and stop preaching Jesus' name. They replied simply, "We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard."
When will this become the way we reason? When will I personally reach the point where it is said of me that I CANNOT STOP talking about the changes He has made in me for His glory? It is written, "I have believed and therefore I have spoken." Let this spirit of faith challenge each of us who claim to believe to also speak. Let us be challenged to act and live our lives for the Glory of the Risen God.
