‘You are Enough’. I am sure many of you have seen this phrase plastered on t-shirts, coffee mugs, car decals, and just about everywhere else. Does it actually make people feel good about themselves when they see it or wear it? Perhaps momentarily. But in my humble opinion it is not rooted in Scripture and it is not a cure for what truly ails the person who needs to hear it.
My life can be broken down into two eras: before Christ and after Christ. The before Christ era involved many years of therapy, during which I was told repeatedly that I was enough. That I was brilliant, beautiful, accomplished — fill in whatever word of praise you like, it always ended with enough. I do not mean to bash my sweet therapist, but all the money and time I spent with her did not make me feel enough. It made me feel good until I walked back to my car. On a good day, perhaps until I went to bed. But it never stuck. And I am guessing I am not alone in experiencing the fleeting effects of throwing this phrase at unsuspecting people like me.
As a matter of fact, it is counter to what I should have been told. If I could go back and advise my old self, I would say the exact opposite: you are not enough, and you have a God-sized hole in your heart. A hole that needs to be led and guided by loving kindness, mercy, and grace.
Why was it important to be told that I was not enough? Because when I believe I am enough, I lack humility. I do not extend mercy, grace, and loving kindness to others. And most importantly, I glorify myself and operate within the framework of my own morality rather than God’s. This is not hypothetical: I was pompous, irreverent of others because of their shortcomings, and justified my actions to suit my own thinking. And yet I was miserable, because I was glorifying myself instead of God.
“But let him who glories glory in this,
-Jeremiah 9:24
That he understands and knows Me,
That I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth.
For in these I delight,” says the Lord.”
In addition, a lack of humility comes from self-reliance. I am not powerful against this world on my own. I may be stronger than a five year old, but against the powers of principalities I will crash and burn.
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”
-Ephesians 6:12
My strength comes from Christ, and knowing that gives me humility and compels me to glorify Him who deserves all glory.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
-Philippians 4:13
“For the Lord takes pleasure in His people;
-Psalms 149:4
He will beautify the humble with salvation.”
For those of you who are struggling with self-worth today, I pray that you realize that you are made in the perfect image of God. You are deeply loved and cherished by Him, and THAT is enough. Trust that He loves you enough to work out all your flaws and lead you into a glorious world of love and perfection. May God Bless you.
Dear God,
You dwelled among us so that You could make us righteous and grant us the goodness to glorify You. Please transform me into Your true and faithful servant, singing Your praises with every breath You have blessed me with. I Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.