To the Ephesians, Paul writes: “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received” (Ephesians 4:1).

Do you notice the irony? He tells them to live a worthy life while he himself is in prison. In many people’s eyes, Paul was living a degraded life not a worthy one.

But he can hold his head high because he belongs to God and is doing God’s work. No amount of stink or disdain can trick him into thinking that he’s any less than he is.

This is a word for us today.

Your external circumstances do not define you. They may influence you, but they are not the bricks and mortar of your being.

I want to encourage you to do something that helps you remember this. This week, every time you see yourself in a mirror, I want you to whisper something to yourself. It could be the bathroom mirror, the little drop down mirror in your car, or the self-view on your phone. Whenever you see yourself, I invite you to whisper this word:

Dignity.

The darkness of our world would love for you to forget. But the word of God won’t let you.

When you lock eyes with yourself, even for a second, be reminded of your royal pedigree with the word dignity.

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Notes:

–The Up Devotional will go on pause next week (Feb 14-18) while I’m on a ‘study leave’ and working on a writing project. Back issues can be found here.

–Sermon: “The source and security of our dignity.” John 2:1-12.

–Bible Study podcast: “Water into wine, and disgrace into dignity.” 

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.