Status
<<rank, position>>
Am I buying into the world’s value system or remaining true to God’s appraisal?
lowly and despised, desiring to work through them so the glory goes to Him (1 Sam 16:7; 1 Cor 1:26-2:5). The Bible says it is wrong to shun those who appear to be failures while showing favouritism to those who appear to be successful (Jas 2:1-9).
The Pharisees tried to impress with their seeming importance yet Jesus said this was futile as God, whose judgement and rewards are fair, is not swayed by personal status and standing in society (Mt 6:1-5,16, 23:5-7; Gal 2:6, 6:5-8). Jesus gave up His status and position in heaven to come to earth to redeem us, reinforcing the principle, that the greatest in the Kingdom of God are the servants of all (Mt 20:28, 23:11). Paul could have boasted about his record of achievements yet he considered it rubbish compared to what he had in Christ (Phil 3:4-11).
Is my self-belief based on God’s opinion or men’s?
what He desires.
See also: call/calling, position, position in Christ, reputation, self-esteem, vanity.