“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4
How we think of ourselves determines how we see others.
This seems backwards, but we filter everything we see of others through our filter of ‘self’. The key theme in this chapter of 1 John is all about listening to God and those who do not listen are not of God, but instead have rejected His truth. If we listen to God, then we understand just how loved we are by our Creator. The problem in our world is that there are many who would convince us of our worthlessness. Many have bought into this lie, and as such they struggle with this filter of ‘self’ which allows us to see others in the proper light of Christ. Because if we are worthless, wouldn’t it be safe to say that others are too? This is a lie that the Father of Lies wishes to tell us over and over again through the actions of other people and through the doubts that plague our minds.
Note that the selected portion of scripture identifies WHOSE we are. 1 John 4 calls us Dear Children – FROM God, and since He overcame the world, we have/can too! Isn’t it comforting to know that we are not alone in our struggles? Isn’t it refreshing to think that the doubts we struggle with in our minds about ourselves is a lie? If God, our Father, has overcome the world, then we too have the power and strength (through Him) to overcome these stressors in our life!
The next time you think ill of your life – be delivered by God’s love, forgiveness and grace! Be reminded of His might and power, and don’t let the Great Deceiver pull you down and keep you from your heavenly inheritance while you live in the world TODAY! God has delivered you, let us live out that victory today DESPITE the difficulties we might face along the way.
Something more to ponder today!
Pastor's Ponderings 
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