As a creative, it’s easy to get caught up in negative self-talk and self-doubt. We may feel like we’re not good enough, that we don’t measure up to others, or that we’re simply not worthy. These thoughts can be crippling, holding us back from reaching our full potential and creating the art that we were made to create. But as Christians, we know that these lies are not from God. He created us for a purpose and He wants us to walk in confidence and assurance.
In Romans 8:31, the apostle Paul reminds us, “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” When we declare this truth, we affirm that God is on our side. He wants us to succeed and to use our gifts to bring Him glory. We don’t have to fight for acceptance or try to prove ourselves to anyone because we are already accepted and loved by God.
When we hold on to past mistakes or focus on our flaws, we are essentially telling God that His sacrifice on the cross was not enough. But as it says in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we are made new. We don’t have to carry the weight of our past mistakes, because Jesus has already paid the price for them.
Comparing ourselves to others is a trap that is easy to fall into, but it only leads to feelings of inadequacy and insecurity. In Galatians 6:4, Paul warns against this, saying, “Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else.” God has given each of us unique gifts and talents, and our focus should be on using them to the best of our ability, rather than trying to measure up to someone else.
As creatives, we have a tendency to seek validation from others. But in Matthew 6:33, Jesus reminds us to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to us as well. When our focus is on pleasing God rather than impressing others, we are free to create from a place of authenticity and purpose.
Ultimately, as Christians, our identity is found in Christ. We don’t have to apologize for who we are or try to be someone we’re not. In 1 Peter 2:9, we are called a “chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession.” We are loved and valued by God, and nothing can change that.
So as we create, let us declare God’s promises over our lives and reject the lies that hold us back. We are not our own worst abusers, but beloved children of God. We don’t have to compete with others or fight for acceptance, because we are already accepted and loved by our Heavenly Father. Let us create from a place of confidence and assurance, knowing that we are called by God to use our gifts for His glory.
