It’s easy for me to lose sight of how many crafts I do until I look at my saved Face Book posts. I especially like to share those things I’ve made in multiples because they’re usually items I’ve created for the homebound friends to whom I like to send surprises. Most of the time I’m posting my handiwork to inspire others to do some of these crafts for people they know who could use the boost of a little homemade gift.

Of course, I only post my most attractive completed results. What I never post or show others are those failed projects. You know the ones. Those crafts which aren’t perfect or don’t look like the pattern or picture I was trying to copy. Nor do I post those average results that don’t look as professional or stellar as those of other crafters who produce work worthy to be hung anywhere or sold for real money.  

It’s sort of true as well for only showing our houses and yards when they’re perfect and ready for company, right? I think there are many of us out there who are constantly comparing ourselves and what we make and do with others. This habit certainly can lead to being hyper critical of ourselves as well.  Somehow, with all the comparisons to real and often unreal expectations, a low self-esteem can take root. I know this because it happened to me.

This kind of constant criticism and evaluation was never God’s plan for me or for you. It is a huge joy squelcher. Constantly comparing ourselves to others wounds our self-confidence and can keep us from doing the things we love, even those things we feel God called us to do. Without self-confidence we’re less likely to try new things or to take risks that could result in big blessings for ourselves and others. Or worse, it can lead us to criticize or bully others to make ourselves feel better.

When we’re comparing ourselves to others and being so critical of ourselves, it’s time for a large dose of grace. We don’t allow others to bully or hurt the feelings of our children, spouses, or friends. Yet we do those things to ourselves. Several years ago, a co-worker and dear friend took me to task over my compromised self-esteem. She reminded me that not seeing myself as God saw me was ungodly. She challenged me to read and re-read Ephesians 2:10 until I believed its contents. 

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” 

Once I finally saw myself in this verse, it didn’t take me long to see the truth of my friend’s words and to realize that this scripture is the cure for low self-esteem. I am God’s art. He considers me a masterpiece…not by Beth Moore’s standard’s or by Mother Teresa’s example or by an employer’s or friend’s expectations. Instead, I am considered more than adequate, enough, and sufficient by God’s own specifications and His benchmark. Since God considers you and me His works of art, we dare not treat ourselves or others like discards or junk. 

This verse also tells us we are valuable because we have purpose and have things to do God has designed for us. Yes indeed, He loves us enough to plan in advance what He wants us to do. You and I have great value! Period. It’s a truth that should have us jumping up and down and joyfully shouting hallelujah!

Once I surrendered to the truth of Ephesians 2:10, I also realized that there can be no disrespect for ourselves or others. NO ONE IS INFERIOR. We are made in God’s own image. Now, that’s really good news! No one is less than anyone else. We’re not Face Book perfect but instead, we’re God-forgiven, God-made-new, and God-made-righteous perfect. 

This has to be one of the most personal applications of taking grace home that ever existed!

YOUR TURN:

What one trait, characteristic, or skill do you have for which you are grateful today? How do you show your gratitude to the Lord for the way He made you? Thank you for sharing your thoughts and ideas with me and the other readers. You are appreciated!