“Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God” (Romans 1:1).

These days-

– people never tire debating the importance of self-image!

We are told to understand-

– what formed our self-image,

– to consider how as parents we shape a child’s self-image,

– to help others with their self-image,

– to be concerned whether or not we have a healthy self-image.

…and the list goes on.

How do you view yourself?

Now compare your self-image to how Paul viewed himself.

He viewed himself as a servant-

– literally, a slave.

He belonged without reservation to Jesus.

He viewed himself as an apostle, one who had been sent.

His life’s work was to do what God sent him to accomplish as one appointed by God.

He viewed himself as set apart-

– specifically for the ministry of the Gospel, the good news of salvation in Jesus.

How he viewed himself affected what he did.

Viewing himself as a servant affected his attitude toward God and others.

What he did and why he did it was affected by understanding himself as one sent.

Being set apart affected his aspirations, what he hoped to accomplish.

We need to view ourselves like Paul-

– who saw himself from God’s perspective.

God formed his self-image!

Accepting what God wanted in his life enabled Paul to truly be what God wanted him to be.

Do you see yourself as a set apart sent servant?

The temptation is to be in control of your own life when instead you need to recognize that Jesus is Lord.

Ask God to help you be what He wants you to be.

(PA)