The Right Self-Evaluation

Seeing ourselves through the eyes of the omniscient

Each of us has a self-image, an opinion about ourselves and our place in the family, workplace, church and in the community at large. Our interaction with others is highly influenced by our self-image. For example a student who feels he/she is a good orator will have no problem participating in presenting a project in front of a large audience. Whereas a person with low self esteem may have difficulties in facing an interview or other interactions.

So the right self-evaluation is key to living to our full potential. Sometimes we underestimate our talents and abilities and end up wasting our talents. There are also moments of over-confidence where we do not evaluate ourselves right. God’s word has guidance for us to evaluate ourselves right, let us take a look at them.

Uniquely and Wonderfully created:

         Genesis 1:27 clearly points out that “God created man in his own image”
   Psalm 139:14 beautifully asserts “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made”
 As we see from the above verses, each of us is created in God’s image, reflecting his characters of love, empathy, goodness, etc. And we are unique. We are precious in his sight and made for fulfilling his purposes. Let us derive confidence in the fact that we were designed unique and special in God’s thought before we were even conceived in our mother’s womb.

Thoughts and Attitudes matter


         1 Samuel 17:7 says “The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 
So according to this verse our self-evaluation should not consider our outward appearances, rather look inside at the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. We need to introspect our motives rather than look at our actions per se.

Specially gifted for God’s work
 

        Rom 12:4.5 says “Just as each of us has one body with many members and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body.”
And he goes on to say in the following verses that each of us has different gifts of serving, teaching, encouraging, contributing to the needs of others, governing, etc. These verses affirm that each of use is uniquely bestowed with special gifts and abilities to enrich our family, the church and the community we live in.

However there are some warnings on how not to think of ourselves too…

We are NOT what we HAVE

         Luke 12:15 warns us “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kind of greed. A man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions” 
         Proverbs 10:22 assures us “The blessings of the Lord brings wealth and he adds no trouble to it.”
Hence our estimation of self, cannot be based on our possessions or our positions. It is God who gives us the ability, wisdom and knowledge to gain and retain wealth.

A call for humility

         Romans 12:13 also warns us of another error we often make “Do not think of yourself too highly than you ought , but rather thing of yourself in sober judgement.”
 This reminds us that we are human and prone to mistakes and we cannot be self-righteous or proud when we assess ourselves.

Looking at ourselves in the light of these markers from the Bible, will bring to light the fact that we are chosen, called, endowed, enabled and blessed by God to fulfill his purposes in the positions he has placed us in. We are called to be shinning lights for his glory. So let us joyfully shine in our spheres of influence which he has entrusted us with. Amen

Serving Our Community

The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40

Introduction

During the recent visit of our President Mr. Ram Nath Kovind to Madras University on the 5th of May, he recognized the contribution of Madras University in the field of education and acknowledged that 6 of the past Presidents of India were its alma matter. No other university can lay claim to such a great honor!  Another fact, not given as much attention that day, is the fact that four of our past Presidents namely Dr. Radhakrishnan, R.Venkataramanan, K.R. Narayanan, and Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam were alma matter of various Christian colleges and schools. 

Most of us would also be able to count quite a few friends and family members who have passed through the portals of such great Christian educational and medical institutions. As benefactors of such excellent service and influence, we also have the responsibility to support and strengthen these institutions and also focus on building newer Christ-centered educational, medical and vocational institutions.

Making a difference

Young minds are often influenced by the ideologies and philosophy that challenge them. These form the basis for their convictions and form pathways for their future journey and success in life. So it is imperative that christian institutions remain true to their calling and sow the seed of faith and integrity in these young minds. Proverbs 22:6 rightly points out the impressibility of young minds: “Train up a child in that way that he should go and even when he is old he will not turn from it”
We have been gifted with many well-known and sought-after schools, colleges and hospitals left behind as a legacy from various missionary organizations of the past. Actively participating in building our christian educational institutions and medical facilities requires dedicated, God-fearing, mission-minded people to choose careers in these institutions and come with a commitment to nurture the younger generation and build the future of our nation.

We find that Nehemiah was moved to tears when he heard about Jerusalem’s broken walls. Nehemiah 1:4 records “When I heard this, I sat down and wept. In fact, for days I mourned, fasted and prayed to the God of heaven.”  Then Nehemiah sought the Lord’s mighty hand and guidance as he earned to re-build Jerusalem. He gave up his favorable, comfortable and well-paying job as a cup-bearer in the King Artaxerxes’ palace to go and rebuild Jerusalem.

It may be easy for us or our children to study in these institutions, excel in their specializations and move to a foreign country for better prospects and prosperity. But God has left us with a great legacy and the responsibility to safe guard it, enhance it, rise to modern day challenges and continue to influence, mould and prepare for the Master’s use, a young generation who will build a godly nation. So let us pray for God’s guidance as we choose our careers or council our children or youth on career choices to:

• Seek God’s will for our career
• Remember our roots
• Contribute to build our Christian institutions and our nation
• And honor our Lord!

A god fearing and dedicated youth can rise up as thought-leaders, influencers, nation-builders in their respective workplaces and spheres of influence, living as “Salt” and “Light” of the world. May the Lord lead us as we yield to His calling and help us serve our community according to His will. Amen.