Insecurities have plagued us since sin entered the world. Your own insecurity may insult your intelligence, deface your beauty, or suggest you are not worthy of love. Sometimes these thoughts can be easily disregarded, while at other times they may be deafening. And while these thoughts come and go, it is important that we do not lean into the temptation of despising the Lord’s creation, but rather step into the confidence that Christ ensures.
Before the fall of humanity, we did not question the excellence of the Maker’s creation because it was perfect. God himself declared that His creation was “very good.” Satisfied, He rested (Genesis 1:31). So, when did we begin to question God’s handiwork?
In Genesis 3, the serpent enters the scene and causes Adam and Eve to question God’s authority and His Word. When they had partaken of the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil, their eyes were opened to their “nakedness,” which the Hebrew language uses as a metaphor for the idea that they felt exposed and vulnerable. The serpent, whom in most circles is interchangeable with Satan and Lucifer (the fallen angel), gains dominion over the earth, and humanity becomes vulnerable to the influence of evil. Interestingly, it was Lucifer’s own insecurities and pride that caused his fall, and in humanity’s fall from Eden, so began our struggles with insecurity and sin.
Many may see their sin, disappointments, and failures as reasons to disqualify them from gaining true love and beauty in their life, for certainly God’s creation can no longer be perfect if they are not living in Eden. But while sin does separate us from God, it does not mean that we are irredeemable, unlovable, or unworthy. “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). Through Christ, our identity as children of God is restored. And therefore, any insecurity or sin is wiped away, and we are perfect in His sight.
When we question our own value and worth, we despise God’s creation (who are indeed created in His likeness) and call it “flawed.” Many of us cringe at the thought of challenging God, and it should. If Christ’s atonement is not sufficient to cover sin and insecurity, then there is no hope for anyone in the world. None of us are perfect, none of us are without sin. But God, in his love and mercy, has not only created us in His image and called us “chosen” and “very good,” but has prepared a way for us to be cleansed of all sin and shame.
When insecurities come, remember:
- Do not despise the Lord’s creation. You are the Lord’s masterpiece, fashioned by His hands.
- Your insecure thoughts do not dictate reality.
- If you see a need for healthy change, pursue it.
- Christ’s atonement is available for any who believe and confess their belief in Jesus Christ.
May the Lord bless you with peace of mind, hope of heart, and joy of spirit.
To learn more about God’s creation of humankind, check out some of the online Bible studies at International School of the word. Consider starting with our course, Hebraic Roots: In the Beginning. Visit www.ISOW.org today to get started on an affordable online biblical education!
– Jennifer Ann Turner, Staff Writer
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