Dictionary.com defines the word image as:  a physical likeness or representation of a person, animal, or thing, photographed, painted, sculptured or otherwise made visible. The NLT Bible defines image as: a God-given likeness or reflection; a tangible or visible representation.

How do you define your image? Is your worth based on how you look, how much money you make, or where you work? Do you constantly compare yourself to others and then feel like you’re not enough? Do you go out and buy certain things or try to achieve a certain look so that you may somehow appear to be more valuable?

You are made in the image of God; the Most High, the all-powerful, all-knowing God. He took His time to create you, giving you special gifts and characteristics, and a unique purpose to fulfill on this earth. You may share similarities with other people, you may have some of the same gifts… but only you can do, what God has created you to do.

There is no one else on this earth like you. You don’t have to compare yourself to others because by being your best self and walking in who God has created you to be… you have already won.

As humans we tend to look at things such as how much money we make and popularity, to determine someone’s importance. We as humans determine how valuable someone is, based on what we think they can contribute, and not who they belong to. A homeless person on the side of a highway is just as important as the richest entertainer in the nation. God loves them both just the same and He does not deem us more or less important based on worldly possessions, looks, incomes, how we view ourselves, or how others view us.

Whether you have little or much, God loves you just the same. No matter what you look like at 5am, God still loves you just the way you are then, as He does when you look your very best. Whether you have holes in your clothes, or if you spent thousands of dollars on one piece of jewelry. Your worth is in Christ and He views you as His own, always.

Until you realize that you are made in the image of God, you may allow other things to determine your worth and your value. Until you begin to see yourself the way God sees you, you will continue to view yourself the wrong way. So how does God view you?

You are a new creation in Christ. “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; the new life has begun!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT)

Your sins are paid for. “For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering of our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT)

God doesn’t remember your sin. “I – yes, I alone – will blot out your sins for my own sake and will never think of them again.” Isaiah 43:25 (NLT)

You are forgiven. “And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never remember their sins.” Hebrews 8:12 (NLT)

God pursues you. “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he will rejoice over it more than over the ninety-nine that didn’t wander away! In the same way, it is not my heavenly Father’s will that even one of these little ones should perish.” Matthew 18:12-14 (NLT)

You are a daughter of the King. “For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:26 (NLT)

[Insert your name] “is more precious than rubies.” Proverbs 31:10 (NLT)

You have God’s favor. “For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord.” Proverbs 8:35 (NLT)

God has given you gifts, and a unique purpose. “A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.” 1 Corinthians 12:7 (NLT)

You have a direct connection to the one who holds all authority in Heaven and on Earth. “Jesus came and told His disciples, ‘I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.'” Matthew 28:18 (NLT)

God works everything together for your good. “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.” Romans 8:28 (NLT)

Even though this life gets hard, you have eternity to look forward to. “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” Romans 8:18 (ESV)

How you allow others to treat you says a lot about the way you view yourself. For so long, I settled for less than I deserved because I did not truly understand my worth in the context of jobs, relationships, friendships, etc. It’s okay to stand up for yourself without being rude or negative. It’s also okay to refuse to settle for less than you deserve. It is offensive to God for you to lower the value that He has already set for you. You are a daughter of THE king. And if other people cannot see that or treat you accordingly, then perhaps you need to re-evaluate your relationships with them. Without even having to say anything, you show others how to treat you.

So instead of allowing others to determine your worth, or even being blinded by your own insecurities or lack of understanding who you are, embrace the standard that God has already set for you. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. You were created with a unique purpose to carry out. You are chosen, you are forgiven, and you are loved by the One who matters most.

“I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.”

Psalm 139:14 (KJV)

This is an excerpt from my book, Chosen For Such A Time As This, available for purchase here on Amazon.