In the world of coaching, psychology and self-help there is a truth that goes something like this: “People who believe they are ‘worthy’ have a strong sense of relational connection, love, and feel they belong.” These people can embrace their vulnerability and become innovative, creative and embrace change on this platform of worthiness. The next step is that if anything is missing we just need to change our thoughts and confession and admit that we are worthy so we have good self-esteem.
Why? – Here’s the problem. Our sense of identity or worthiness doesn’t originate in our intellect; it comes from our heart. If you start telling your heart that you’re worthy, it will simply ask, “why?” If you don’t have a good reason, nothing changes. The best answer psychology can come up with is that “I must be as good as everyone else.” That’s a “non-starter” at a heart level. You cannot mentally trick your heart into believing something without a basis. Here’s reality: we are all at our present station in life because that’s exactly where our hearts are… relationally, spiritually, physically, and financially. Your heart wants to know if you deserve anything better.
Beyond Shame – Guilt and shame play a real role in everyone’s life. That’s the core emotion of a heart on the wrong trajectory. Here are a couple of definitions that show the connection with your heart identity.
Guilt – “I did bad” – I made a mistake
Shame – “I am bad” – I am a mistake; I have no purpose.
On the other side of the coin, if your heart is inclined toward God you will hear something like this:
Servant – I did something good – “Well done, good and faithful servant.
King – I am good / worthy – “This is my beloved son, friend, King; ask whatsoever.”
As believers, we can give our hearts a very good reason for being “worthy.” That’s the whole point of Jesus’ resurrection…. We rose with him! It is common for believers to accept salvation in the sense of being obedient servants going to heaven, but not accept worthiness to enter the Kingdom and touch their Kingdom purpose in the sense of destiny in their own mountain. We can’t earn worthiness; we can only act out of the identity of our heart. I am worthy because of Jesus, therefore I can do all things through Christ. Every heart asks, “Why am I here?” Only God can answer that question and He’s aready written the answer in the desires of your heart. Good things naturally flow out of my heart and I just have to be myself.
But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior Titus 3:4-6 NIV
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works Eph 2:8-10 NIV
I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit — fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 17 This is my command: Love each other. John 15:15-17 NIV
Vulnerability – If we touch God and settle the worthiness issues in our hearts, we are still treasures in earthen vessels. When I think about standing in front of people at a conference or at work, I’m not the most handsome or smartest or experienced or anointed. I’m just me… precious in His sight and called to Release Kings. I have to put others ahead of my own vulnerabilities. When I do, the anointing reconciles all those vulnerable areas and people receive a message: “If God can use this guy with his flawed history and personality, he can probably use me in the Kingdom, too.” When God uses you, other people can’t see your flaws; they just see Jesus. Allowing ourselves to be vulnerable and worthy at the same time does two things: I’m willing to risk failure and expose myself to the need of a resurrection; I’m also willing to open myself to success, receive promotion and bring glory into the Kingdom. You will experience both on the way to the Kingdom… sorry. (Acts 14:22)
Just do You – Worthiness with vulnerability allows me to authentically be me… the person God created and called and loves. Even if things go wrong, I know God will resurrect me and work good out of a bad situation. He loves me. He trusts me with spiritual authority to build the Kingdom. I no longer wait for God to clearly tell me what to do and confirm it. At the first hint of an opportunity that seems good to me and to the Lord, I act on it with wisdom. We call it “going to the back row.” If there is an occasion for God to bless someone through me, I just go for it. I’m continually amazed at how God confirms His word with signs following in healing, the prophetic and in business. People who love God will love you and connect with you when you let Jesus shine through you. They may even think that your vulnerabilities are cool!
Changing trajectories – Your heart has a reason for everything that has happened in the past and your heart projects the trajectory of those experiences into the future – more of the same is the obvious heart conclusion. We call them “heart boundaries.” If your heart has a reason standing in the way of your vision or calling, we have to take a look at that reason or boundary and exchange it for something better. God can redeem the setback or show you how he already did. Here is one example.
My mom died of cancer when I was 16. It was devastating for my family and me, but it also made me open to the Lord. Two years later I got saved. Mom’s death took the pride and independence out of me. I will be thanking her when I see her in heaven.
I have 10 of those traumatic stories that have all ended in a resurrection. It took 2 years, but it was worth the wait. God has given us many victories and there are many more waiting. I have many good reasons for believing that I’m worthy in His sight, that I have a calling in the Kingdom, and that His blessing is on my health, relationships, finances, ministry and work. The fruit is real. My most precious possession is God’s presence and the sense of His fellowship. It reinforces who I am; God’s son created in His image, His friend, an heir in the Kingdom and a King. You and I are here to change the world. You are not only worthy, but God is planning some Glory for you. I am continually surprised by the level of authority that God gives us to build the Kingdom. It translates to boldness in Kings.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. Rom 8:28-30 NIV
He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. Luke 10:18-19 NIV
