Stop Putting Yourself Down

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He has made perfect for ever those who are being made holy

Hebrews 10:14

When you disregard your positive qualities by telling yourself, 'I'm too fat, I'm no good, I never do anything right,' you'll always find verification of what you're looking for. Dr. Richard Carlson says: 'Putting yourself down reinforces rather than corrects your imperfections by placing unnecessary attention and energy on everything that's wrong, rather than what's right with you. Why would you do this knowing the only possible result is a negative outlook, more negative feelings and less appreciation for the gift of life? People who regularly put themselves down are often seen as complainers, not to mention the example they set. Everyone has aspects of themselves they'd like to improve, but this doesn't mean you should beat yourself up. Here on earth none of us is ever going to be perfect, but putting yourself down isn't the answer.'

The Bible says God 'has made perfect for ever those who are being made holy.' Max Lucado writes: 'Underline the word perfect. Note, the word isn't better. Not improving. Not on the upswing. God doesn't improve; he perfects. He doesn't enhance; he completes...I realise there's a sense in which we're imperfect. We still err. We still stumble. We still do exactly what we don't want to do...that part of us is 'being made holy.' But when it comes to our position before God, we're perfect. When he sees each of us, he sees someone who has been made perfect through the One who is perfect - Jesus Christ.' It's okay to work on improving yourself, but go easy; stop often and remind yourself that you're 'being made new...becoming like the One who made you' (Colossians 3:10 NCV).

Used with permission from UCB Word for Today. Free issues are available here for the UK and Republic of Ireland.