How to Have Self-Confidence

Today's Thoughts — A Special Edition

Saturday, July 17, 2021  ·  By Bishop Samson Amajene

Text: Genesis 1:26–27 (NIV)

Topic: How to Have Self-Confidence

"Then God said, 'Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.' So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them." — Genesis 1:26–27 (NIV)

Self-confidence is a fundamental part of our Christian life that helps us understand who we are in Christ. I am who God says I am — not what anyone thinks or says about me — because their assessment and opinions of me may be totally wrong, since they are not my Maker. The Lord my Maker knows my capabilities, intelligence, abilities, gifts, talents, wiring, strength, graces, power, and friends. He also knows my sins, weaknesses, failures, fears, doubts, worries, pains, and enemies.

The good news is that God created me in His own image, according to the Scriptures. This is why my true identity cannot be found outside of Christ, who knows me better than anyone else. I might be wasting time trying to know who I am by engaging in self-discovery theories that are unrelated to the revealed truth in the Bible. We make ourselves miserable with low self-esteem when we seek to know ourselves outside the Word of God. The formula for knowing yourself is to know Christ, because your life is hidden in Christ.

Beloved, do you know that many of us are struggling to find out who we are by trying to be like movie stars, celebrities, politicians, and others — in speech, dressing, walking, makeup, personality, hairstyle, or anything else? Please accept who God created you to be. Stand before the mirror and tell yourself: "You — the one in that mirror — you are who God says you are." Stop trying to be like someone else.

The reason self-worth and self-confidence are so important is that until you settle this, it may be very difficult for you to know how to implement the vision God has placed upon your life. When you know who you are, you will not stand before the mirror so often seeking affirmation — as if the mirror created you and must approve you to operate in Christ.

I can improve myself through study, but that does not add any value to who I already am in God. I am created in the image of God whether I can read or write — it does not change who I am: an image of God. When some people look at their nose, they say, "Why is it not pointed?" — while those with a pointed nose say, "Why is my nose pointed?" Why burden yourself with such questions? Whether fearfully or wonderfully made, you are God's own image. Glory!

Father, please help me to accept who You created me to be, so I can faithfully implement Your will on the earth, in Jesus' name. Amen.