Genesis 42:11We are all sons of one man; we are honest men, your servants are not spies.
I love this passage. Jacob’s sons could have described themselves differently. They were continuing to live a lie to their dad. Their jealousy drove them to enslave their brother. Deeds don’t get worse than that. Yet, they call themselves honest men. I believe this is accurate. On balance they were honest, godly men.
All of us can find selfish, shameful actions in our past. Sometimes those things haunt us. We also may be honest, godly men, yet the shame condemns us.
What is our self concept and where does it come from? It shouldn’t come from our mistakes. The accusing voice within should be ignored. Don’t own those thoughts. Write a new script over them. “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation: old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new.” 2 Cor 5:17 Here’s where it starts. We aren’t defined by our old deeds.
“He predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ” Ephesians 1:5. This is where we get much of our identity. Just as being of a particular family can give instant respect, so being God’s child brings us to a new level. As we walk with Him through life, He fills us with His Holy Spirit, He brings circumstances to us to mold our character and direct us. We are all about Him and what He’s doing. Galatians 5:22,23 says He gives us the fruit of the spirit: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness…” These traits become our constant companions. As we read His Word, His thoughts become our thoughts. “Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly…” Colossians 3:16. This is where our self concept is mainly derived.
Another source comes from our talents and what we do. Hopefully, we are doing what we are good at. This means there is a certain level of success. That feedback is nice and helps our self confidence.
Many are ruled and ruined by past actions. Those need not define us. We can become a “new creation” and be adopted into a new family. Start off by being one of God’s own and let His care for you mold and make you.