Narrative

Romans 8:1
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.
 
If we aren’t careful, we can begin to write a narrative in our mind that is contradictory to what God thinks of us who are in Christ. Over the years, I developed a very performance-based narrative in my mind. A lifetime of playing and coaching sports taught me to think that I was only as valuable as what I produced that day. On the bad days, I felt distraught. On the good days (which were rare), I felt good for only a fleeting time. Then I moved the bar so I could continue to disappoint myself. Every day I would present my daily accomplishments to God and wonder, was I good enough today? This was exhausting. It wasn’t until I came across and began to meditate on Romans 8:1 that I began to find freedom from performance-based thinking and a performance-based narrative in my walk with Christ. 
 
Before we enter into relationship with Christ, we are dead in our trespasses and hopeless. But when we recognize our sinfulness and rely on the sacrifice of Jesus, we are saved by His grace, are new creations in Christ, and created in Christ Jesus for good works (Eph. 2:4-10, 2 Cor. 5:17). There is no more wondering if we are good enough or if we have performed enough to earn God’s love. We are never good enough and we can never perform well enough to earn God’s love. Only due to the sacrifice of Jesus do we receive the love and worth God bestows upon us. I encourage you to meditate on this truth today. Preach the gospel of unearned grace, love, and worth to yourself today. Re-write the narrative in your mind to one of unconditional love and worth received by God based on Jesus. It takes time, it’s a daily practice, but we can choose what we think. After all, scripture tells us to renew our minds. 
 
Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.