Are You Dedicating Your Life to Achieving a Positive Self-Image?
© 2021 by Tom Boynton (editing by Kathy Boynton)
Today, many place emphasis on having a “positive self-image.” We often direct our activities toward convincing ourselves that we are important and valuable. However, if our actions don’t honor God, we would be well advised to consider how those actions relate to eternity.
We often pursue activities which bolster our own sense of self-worth. In contrast, consider the apostle Paul. He was a mighty tool in God’s hand to present Christ to the gentile world. Yet Paul declared himself to be “the chief of sinners”.
“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” (1 Timothy 1:15)
Rather than seeking a “positive self-image,” he sought Christ’s forgiveness. Doing otherwise, leaves our souls unprepared to enter eternity. Yet death and eternity await us no matter how hard we try to ignore them. God says:
“… it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:” (Hebrews 9:27)
Soon each of us shall reach the portal through which we must pass into eternity. But eternity holds two different outcomes depending on our relationship to Jesus Christ. Because of mankind’s fall into sin and death, we have each gone astray from God’s righteous demands. Our infractions are against an infinitely powerful and Holy God. Hence, the punishment is an infinite one which no finite man can pay. Without an incredible miracle, none can be saved!
“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; …” (Isaiah 53:6)
Pursuit of a positive self-image blinds the mind to one’s fallen nature before God, and the need for forgiveness. This is deadly! But there’s good news!
“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: …” (John 3:36a)
God the Son, Jesus Christ, offered His own pure human life as sacrificial payment for sin’s penalty. However, beware! The statement which follows the above quote reminds us that rejecting Christ brings a very different outcome.
“… and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” (John 3:36b)
This is accentuated by the following statement of Jesus Christ, Himself.
“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14)
Have you sought out Christ’s forgiveness, or are you pursuing a positive self-image?
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