Knowing your Worth in Christ and Loving Yourself

Nowadays, people throw around "know your worth" and "love yourself" like it's a catchphrase or a slogan on a billboard. But what does it really mean to have self worth and love and accept yourself as you are?

I used to think that my worth came from my accomplishments, my appearance, the amount of likes I got, good grades I made, how many friends I had and the good I would strive to achieve. While these are all great and things to strive for, they are not the main source of where your worth and identity is found.

It does not matter how many awards, good grades, likes on a social media post you have or how many people like you. Sure it's great to get an A on the test, buy the new trendy clothes or receive an award but those are not the things that define who you are. What truly matters is what you think of yourself and what God says about you. Your true worth and beauty comes from within. Society will try to tell you that you should look a certain way, dress a certain way, have x amount of friends and be involved in x, y and z. While staying true to who you are can be challenging at times, it is worth it in the end. Do not allow media, other people and the things of this world to consume you so much that you forget who and whose you are. I know it is so easy to get caught up in the things of this world, the opinions of others and what society says will make you "happy" or "have worth." When you start to fall into this, remind yourself that your identity and self-worth is found in Christ and you are on your own path.

As we get older, we battle many highs and lows including friendships, boyfriends, girlfriends, clubs, peer pressure, identity, stress and tests. All these things can consume you - your mind, your self-concept, your perception of the world and your journey to figuring out your true self. If we are secure in our identity in Christ, it makes all of this much easier to handle. Knowing who you are in Christ allows the opinions and words of others to become irrelevant and not harm us. A majority of the time, how someone else acts has everything to do with them and nothing to do with you. Once we realize this we are able to not take things so personally and hurt us. Your value doesn't decrease based on someone's inability to see your worth. Never let someone else's opinion of you become your reality.

We can always be a light, especially as Christians. Accepting our flaws and imperfections, help us become much more comfortable in our own skin. Embrace it! You were created in His eyes and are precious. Your value begins with the fact that you were made by the hand of the Creator - body, soul and spirit. Each one of us is loved, unique and the apple of God's eye. God loves you and you should love yourself too! You were made with a purpose! Own it. Everyday. You can admire the beauty in someone else without questioning your own. Always stay true to YOU and be your own kind of beautiful.

Doing what makes you happiest and what is best for yourself is so crucial! I used to think it was selfish to be selfish but it is perfectly ok to be selfish at times and put yourself first. If you are bending over backwards for the needs of others and being a people pleaser, you start to neglect your own health and needs. If you are not taking care of yourself and feeling your best, you will not perform your best whether it be in relationships, school, organizations etc. Take a step back and know that you matter too and taking time to rest and recharge is so important. It is ok to say no to going out with friends, stay in and watch Netflix or have a self care night. Treat yourself!

Whenever I start to feel down or discouraged and forget my worth, I remind myself of a bible verse that states "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight." (1 Peter 3:3-4) You should never settle for less than you deserve in friendships, relationships, where you go to school, in a job etc. You deserve to do what makes you happy and brings you the most joy! If something is not bringing you happiness and positivity, choose to walk away and surround yourself with an uplifting, positive community and do what is best for yourself. You deserve the same kindness, love, compassion and care you so freely give and show to others. If something is not serving you and helping you grow to become the best version of yourself, it is not worth your time and energy. It's not selfish to love yourself and make your happiness a priority.

Remember that you are worthy of happiness, love and all the good things this world has to offer! You are worth so much more than second thoughts and maybes. Don't ever let anyone dull your sparkle and take away your light!