Identity. We want it, yet we fear it. Self-doubt raises its voice and we find ourselves questioning time and time again an inherent value, unattached from our accomplishments, work flow, or ability to eat kale. Still we let those things, perhaps all good in their intentionality, become less about a noble discipline to shape our selves, and instead an attachment to self-worth. In a time where we are consumed by the other, we see the work, the impact, the ability of someone alongside us, or even distant from us, and let the lie seep in that they have somehow found a greater purpose or exposed a superior talent or fell into their role with greater ease than you ever will. We extract all of that more often than not from a photograph than an actual conversation. Though when a conversation is involved, our view is peppered with comparison, and we dangerously hope for a slip up or a struggle that will remind us that perhaps they don’t always have it all together and we take solace in another’s imperfections. Even that confession of a thought becomes yet another reminder of a feeling of inadequacies. Rather than our first thought being “how can I speak into this friend in their shortcomings?” – even though that sentiment may come – we first breathe a sigh of relief. “Oh good, it’s not just me.” Our rebuttal to this has been to share our deficiencies more readily. Perhaps that way the idyllic posts, when they are too great in number, will be evened out by the reminder that we’re all just broken people who struggle with this and that. Although that may help, have we instead conditioned ourselves to celebrate brokenness? As though finding the imperfections in one another attributes to self-worth, forgetting that there is no amount of brokenness or wholeness or rightness or wrongness that gives us value. We already are. Identity is already ours, and was from the day we were born. Even before.
EXPOSITION: In what ways do you resonate with how you seek out self-worth? Have you attached your worth to your accomplishments or abilities? Have you ever fallen to comparison and perhaps even felt relief at another’s shortcomings?
RISE: What is one thing you can actively do to speak into your inherent self-worth? How can you combat the temptation to find relief in someone else’s shortcomings? Perhaps there is someone distant from you relationally that you are following on social media that you should take a break from following. Perhaps there is a friend who you trust to speak into your shortcomings because you know they will equally speak into your self worth.
DENOUEMENT: “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”