Identity – More than Meets the Eye

“Not even God himself could sink this ship!” The declaration from an employee of the White Stare Line proved false when the “finest vessel of its day” the Titanic sank April 14, 1912, five days into her maiden voyage. Fifteen hundred lives were lost that fateful day. Sadly, much like the Titanic, many people appear to “have it all” and be destined for success. The world places great value on the outside, but God defines our value based on what is on the inside just as we read in 1 Samuel 16:7 we read, “But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”  

The difference between our success and failure is on the inside, found in who we are at our core, not the outward trappings of success. Often we even orchestrate our delays and demise trying to explain them away. Even our explanations fall short because our insight into ourselves is clouded by our desire to view ourselves in the most positive ways rather than the most honest ways. Most of us have heard stories of celebrities’ tragic falls. We are often shocked because we have assessed and esteemed then based on their external qualities (attractiveness, finances, education,  influence, social position, personality, charisma, etc.). 

We often take the same approach with ourselves, trying to fix the external while we continue to wrestle with the internal struggles. The truth is external factors may contribute to our success but they aren’t the firm foundation of our success. The writer of Proverbs 23:4 warns us, “Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness.” Jesus also advises us in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” 

Outward accomplishments can move us forward but they will never bring us genuine lasting success. True lasting success comes from within – our relationship with ourselves, our relationships with others. Self-esteem, self-respect, and integrity are among the internal dynamics which shape our character and influence our lives. This week, rather than lying to ourselves and trying to fix the outward, let’s focus inward and ask God to help us gain our true worth in Him.