Self-worth or God's worth?

To ¹value ourselves is better than not valuing ourselves.

Studies have clearly shown we cannot function to the maximum of our potential if we do not see ourselves as having value and bringing value to others.

However to be valued by God is not only better, but what we are designed for. Therefore it is best and what actually works long term.

When we understand and recognize God's value of us, we are able to function as designed, regardless of if or when others value us. Unlike the approval of finite creatures, God's value of us is infinite (because he is Infinite) and certain (because it is not secured by our performance, but Christ's). The value others have for us and the value we have for ourselves is not; it is fickle and inconsistent at best and therefore inadequate. Long term it is insufficient i.e. it simply doesn't work.

It is fickle and inconsistent because humanity is fickle and inconsistent; both ourselves and others. An infinite need cannot be satisfied by a finite source (us).

We were designed to experience infinite value and be the means of bringing God's infinite value to others.

We can only be solid, stable and consistent when and to the extent that we are anchored in him -- his value of us -- who alone is solid, stable, and consistent i.e. perfect.

When we are solid, it is only because we are anchored in him, who is solid, stable, and consistent for us.

The irony is we don't experience our greatest sense of value by focusing on it, ("...self, repeat after me, I am valuable, loved important" etc.) but when we focus on the most valuable i.e. God (only he is infinitely worthy, lovely. most important  and deserving of our constant focus and praise etc.)

Why is this? Because, as his image bearers, we were designed to engage and participate in the worth/glory/love of God. We experience our greatest value/meaning/glory/love only when we participate in the most valuable/meaningful/ glorious/loving...God. Anything less does not match up with who we are and were designed to be i.e. it simply does not work.

"The glory of God is man fully alive."- Irenaeus i.e. our experiencing God in his glory is when we are most alive. When we are most alive in him, we also bring him the greatest Glory.

"Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will keep it." Jesus in Luk 17:33

"For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake (i.e. to honor me) will find it." Jesus in Mat 16:24-26   

We will only truly find our lives when we lose our lives...in him i.e., when we stop seeking to find life outside of God, is when we find real, lasting and true life i.e. wind experience God Himself. 

For a discussion of our worth in relation to sin click here
__________________

¹I am using value as synonymous with being infinitely loved, worthy, important, significant etc.