There is a difference between worth (or value) that is found in identity and that which is found in ability. For many of us, we were taught, directly or indirectly, that our worth is based on how well we perform or behave. This performance is directly related to ability, as some of us have more of an ability or capacity to perform than others in certain areas. This could be inherent ability, or learned ability as our capacity increases. Personally, while I do have my own set of inherent abilities just like everyone else, I also learned over my life (and the challenges in it), that I could increase my capacity for ability if I stayed determined. While this is a necessary and good component of growth, if it becomes the means by which I seek to find worth, then it actually becomes destructive to me and those around me. Even when we know better as parents that our children’s worth is not based on performance, and even though we teach it to them in theory, with the pressure of our culture it is all too easy to send this message indirectly.

We can easily praise another when we are praising them for their value, which can only be found in Christ. Even their good works and refinement of their character that produces true, good behavior is credited not only to God’s power, but also to their identity in who He has made them. “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10, NIV).

So, what does this mean? Are we not to acknowledge the accomplishments of our children and those around us? Of course we are! The Bible tells us repeatedly to encourage and exhort one another. The very heart of God is to encourage us in our journey. “But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging, and comfort.” (1 Corinthians 14:3, NIV). Again, we are instructed to encourage one another in the body, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up…” (1 Thessalonians 5:11, NIV). So, what is the difference? How can we encourage our children in a way that builds them up, while still demonstrating genuine, unconditional love for them for who they are—not just what they do? Examining further, we find that encourage means, “to inspire with courage, spirit, or hope…”[3] A word that is also often used interchangeably with encourage in the Bible is the word, “exhort.” Exhort means, “to incite by words or advice.”[4]

We are to build up our children with our words by affirming their value in who they were created to be, while also inspiring them to grow and fulfill or manifest that purpose with words of acknowledgement, inspiration, advice, instruction, hope, and truth about God’s unfailing partnership with them. We love and accept them for who they truly are, while we encourage them to continue in their growth and fulfilling their purpose. We acknowledge how far they’ve come while we inspire and advise them on to the greater things God has prepared for them. It’s ok and right for them to actually find their self-worth in the truth that the Most High created them specifically, loves them unconditionally, and helps them faithfully to fulfill the purpose for which they were created. That is true self-worth that cannot be shaken, and finds its beginning and end in Truth.

“I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6, NRSV).

[1] “Praise,” Bible Hub, Accessed on January 10, 2017, https://biblehub.com/topical/p/praise.htm.

[2] “Self-esteem,” Miriam Webster, last accessed on January 10, 2017, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self–esteem.

[3] “Encourage,” Bible Hub, Accessed on January 10, 2017, https://biblehub.com/topical/e/encourage.htm#web.

[4] “Exhort,” Bible Hub, Accessed on January 10, 2017, https://biblehub.com/topical/e/exhort.htm.