Something to Prove

For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

(John 12:43, NKJV)

Do you have something to prove—perhaps to a rejecting parent, unappreciative spouse, or demanding boss?

Is your pursuit of education, marriage, wealth and/or fame directly tied to proving your worth? Well be cautioned. A motivation to succeed rooted in a need to prove yourself will never make you feel valued, accepted, or loved.

In John 17 we read of how Jesus, even at the close of His earthly life, prayed that God would glorify Him (Jesus). Not for any selfish reason but that through Him men would come to know God and be saved.

What a powerful prayer considering that Jesus is God and had much to prove. Yet He humbled Himself even to death on the cross and unselfishly prayed that men would come to know the Father.

Like Jesus, there is no need for you to prove yourself because you are all that God says you are. You are the head and not the tail, the lender and not the borrower, above and not beneath (see Deuteronomy 28:12-13) and He has bestowed upon you glory and honor (John 17:22). You are His child and He wants to use you for a great work.

This is often hard to believe when others have spoken so much negativity into your life but it is the truth. God wants to use you. His word says that He gives grace to the humble and will exalt you in due season if you faint not.

Jesus also knows that pursuing God's plan pays off. As a reward for His sacrifice God has “highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:9-11).

Therefore, release your plan and let God’s voice speak to your heart louder than the pursuit of your endeavor. Vow today to live a live that is worthy of your calling; humble yourself, reevaluate your motives, and know that you have nothing to prove because God approves of you.

I welcome your comments. Also if success eludes you in some area of your life, I may be able to help. Please submit your questions to info@drcelesteowens.com.

Praying God's good success in every area of your life,
Dr. Celeste