Taking stock of our true worth
“What would you do if you knew you could not fail?” This question is inscribed on a small metal plaque given to me years ago.
Confidence, composure, and certainty are treasured qualities, especially when navigating life’s challenges, whether they are the recurring stresses of daily responsibilities or trying circumstances that really put us to the test.
Most often, the real test begins within, when we wrestle with doubt or mistrust of our ability to handle any given circumstance. Yet, as we consider the robust nature of our God-centered being, we see an innate capacity to meet challenging situations with courage.
Once, I was asked to accept an assignment that would require me to meet with leaders in legislative and executive branches of government in local, state, and national jurisdictions. I doubted that my abilities were up to the demands of the job.
I thought about the qualities needed to be successful in fulfilling such a responsibility. The best place to start was the great Exemplar, Christ Jesus. Admittedly, his was an incomparable life. Yet he took students and expected them to follow his example. He taught them – and us – not only the nature of God as Spirit but the nature of man as God’s spiritual reflection. The Way-shower revealed to us the source of our own character.
Jesus understood the worth of every woman, man, and child as an integral part of God’s universe. In his daily life he was presenting to all of us our fundamental spiritual nature, a formidable identity of incalculable dignity.
Think of some of the qualities Jesus expressed. He was accessible, buoyant, caring, discerning, ethical, firm, generous, hearty, inclusive, and joyful. I once listed many of those qualities that I admire and want to emulate, compiling over 1,200 attributes! This only hints at the boundlessness of our true identity, which Jesus brought to light, not only in his teachings but in his life. I reasoned that these qualities were mine as a child of God, available to me 24/7 to express. They are, in fact, the very fabric of our being.
I took the job. Over the years, before each meeting I had with officials, I prayed to express the stature of Christ, to assess the extensiveness of my identity in the light of God’s universal goodness. This gave me the courage and strength needed to be successful and fulfill my assignments.
This is not superhero stuff. Nor is it seeking an advantage over others. It is the recognition of our identity as the complete image and likeness of God (see Genesis 1:26, 27). That is a valuable connection to cherish. How we see and respond to life around us and the people we encounter depends a lot on how we see ourselves – and others – and that depends on how well we understand God and our relationship to Him.
Why? God is our Maker, our Father-Mother. His character is expressed in us. As we learn more of our distinct spiritual individuality, we begin to understand the power we have to overcome challenging situations. We need this spiritual vantage point to realize how remarkable we truly are.
We can attain an uplifting conviction that allows us to feel and utilize the features of our true, unlimited self. Mary Baker Eddy, the discoverer of Christian Science, reveals an essential starting point in overcoming perceived shortcomings. We must consent to begin with God’s infinite goodness.
She writes, “Meekness heightens immortal attributes only by removing the dust that dims them. Goodness reveals another scene and another self seemingly rolled up in shades, but brought to light by the evolutions of advancing thought, whereby we discern the power of Truth and Love to heal the sick” (“Miscellaneous Writings 1883-1896,” pp. 1-2). “Another scene and another self” speaks to our spiritual nature and environment.
Humbly accepting God’s view of us is where we begin to uncover our authentic nature. God knows us as perfect because He is perfect. And one meaning of “perfect” is “lacking in no essential detail: complete,” according to merriam-webster.com. Rather than thinking that qualities such as trustworthiness and self-assurance are something to be acquired or developed, we can recognize that these attributes are already ours, the result of our oneness with God. We can employ them confidently because they are inherent in us.
The dividends of recognizing our God-originated identity and worth are immeasurable. We are richly endowed with God’s goodness. Let’s share the wealth!
Adapted from an article published in the Sept. 4, 2023, issue of the Christian Science Sentinel.
