Identity Crisis: Comparing to Others vs. Abiding in Christ

To the pretty, popular, athletic, artistic, academically gifted, and confident students who compare themselves to others and take pride in coming out on top, to those who feel marginalized or constantly under the shadow of the former, and to anyone else prone to envy or who feels she just does not measure up:

I want  to remind you that your value is not based on what you possess, but on who possesses your heart and soul.  Your worth is not measured upon what you have done or accomplished, but on what Christ did for you and accomplished on the cross. God is not concerned with how you compare to others on the outside, but rather with how much of Him you allow on the inside.

It's a daily struggle for all of us to walk through this life on earth without conforming to the world's misguided values, short sighted goals, and backwards priorities. Since we all need to be regularly reminded of our ultimate purpose and of our citizenship in Heaven, I have put these reminders into verse to make them easier to remember.

Do not trade your greatest treasure,
Which brings eternal peace and never dies,
For the world’s deceptive measure.
Pride is comparison’s empty prize.

Strength wanes; possessions decay.
Beauty fades, and facades crumble.
Minds forget, and friends betray.
Even heroes fall and stumble.

God said, “Pride comes before a fall.”
The fall exposes truth within.
Vain ambition will build a wall
Around a heart enslaved to sin.

The first will be last, and the last will be first.
So find your true and infinite worth only in Him.
When for Him only do we hunger and thirst.
We are wholly satisfied, seeking no praises from men.

Each of our abilities are gifts from above.
For the purposes He writes into each life story.
Stop striving to be better than, and grow in love.
With all your heart, use your gifts for His glory.

Those who receive Christ as Savior and Lord
Find their identity defined in God's holy word.

You are unconditionally and lavishly loved
By Christ who saved you with His precious blood. (Romans 5:8)

You are wonderfully created by God in His own image. (Genesis 1:26)
Beauty is His love and light shining across your visage. (Matthew 5:16)

You are purified, justified, and sanctified too. (Isaiah 1:18, 1 Corinthians 6:11)
God sees Christ’s righteousness when He looks at you. (2 Corinthians 5:21)

You are chosen, adopted, and never alone. (1 Peter 2:9, Ephesians 1:5, Matthew 28:20)
For all of your sins did His pure blood atone. (1 John 2:2)

You are safe, secure, forgiven, and free. (Proverbs 1:33, Psalm 4:8 )
As a co-heir with Christ, you’ll live for eternity. (Romans 8:17, John 10:28)