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I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. -Psalm 139:14

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. -John 3:16

But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. -Romans 5:8

As long as I can remember, I was a people pleaser. I would try and try and try to get people to get along, and to do things for them, and to make them happy. In other words, I was pinning my own happiness on trying to please others. I was pinning my own self-worth on getting others’ approval of me, through my works. I wanted people to like me.

This stems from a childhood where I never felt good enough, nor could I ever do enough to get there. But that never stopped me anyway.

That all changed when I started learning of my identity in Christ…when I learned of a love so deep, that I could never exhaust it. I could never earn it or deserve it. But it was already mine, given to me over 2,000 years ago. And, that I was lovingly crafted in the image of the One who loves me.

We don’t need fame. We don’t need status. We don’t even need the world to cheer us on. We already have all those things in the eyes of our Father.

So, I no longer chase approval of others. Sure, sometimes their slings and arrows will get through, but then I must remember that I am pre-approved. I have nothing to prove to those who think in worldly ways as long as I walk to please the Lord. And neither do you, fellow agent. Let His loving light roar from within you and dispel the darkness of condemnation and judgment. Our identity in Christ is victorious.

Today’s soundtrack

Francesca Battistelli’s “He Knows My Name” beautifully tells us this very truth, that He gives us our worth and esteem and love.