The concept we’re exploring today is not original with me.  I actually heard it on a local Christian radio station, and I thought it was a concept worth sharing.  It’s simply stated and explained, yet it is profound in its simplicity and powerful when understood and implemented.

From little on we are trained to find self-value in what we are able to put out.  It’s a lesson readily learned since it comes so naturally to the human psyche and seems so logical.  The greater the quantity and quality of our output, the more inherent value we feel and find.

The realms of our personal output validators are varied and unique to each individual.  Our personal output indicators may be in the physical, mental, emotional, verbal, relational, occupational, educational, societal or familial worlds.  Yet the cause and effect are the same: when we are able to output effectively, we tend to feel good about ourselves. 

Unfortunately, the inevitable is that there will come times when our output is substandard.  Even more so as we age and our ability and energy flags and fades.  And then what happens to our self-esteem?  If it is based on our output (as it is for most!), we’re in trouble!

Many is the time I’ve counseled individuals who were struggling mentally and emotionally because they just couldn’t do what they used to be able to do.  Their self-worth was based on their output … and their output was leaving them devastated.  Eventually, one’s output will leave every output-based person devastated. 

Which brings us to the importance of input – both recognizing and pursuing positive input.

Kind and encouraging words from loved ones certainly qualifies as positive input; warm support from people is important and is certainly helpful.  But sometimes that is hard to come by or is not enough. 

The most crucial input is the input our God gives us in his Word!

Yes, the condemnation of the law which shows us our sinfulness isn’t pleasant.  It’s important we all take this to heart; we are all sinful and the Lord hates sin.  But don’t stop at the law.  Let it drive you desperately and eagerly to God’s gospel, which tells us about God’s love … and mercy … and grace … and atonement … and forgiveness … and salvation. 

Furthermore, embrace those truths God shares with us about who we now are in the crucified and risen Jesus Christ.  This is the input we desperately need!

Words like these:

“… You were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:11).

Or these:

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Or this long, wonderful, self-esteem-boosting list:

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.  Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy” (1 Peter 2:9-10).

These are just some of the thousands of messages God gives us in his Scriptures.  Search the Scriptures and you’ll find plenty of incredible input.  God tells us he has loved us with an everlasting love (Jer. 31:3), a love so lavish that he considers us his very children (1 Jn. 3:1) and rejoices over us with singing! (Zeph. 3:17). 

These are truths God wants us to take to heart; crucial, positive, self-esteem-lifting input God wants us to embrace. 

The Lord knows this input … given by the One whose output is always perfect and always perfectly blesses … will completely transform our self-perspective. 

As Paul prayed: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).

The vast majority of the world looks to one’s output as the basis for value.  But that’s a disappointing path.  Be different.  Be better!  Or rather, learn a better way to evaluate yourself!  “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). 

Far better for us to find our value in the input God gives.  And he values us immensely!  Of all astounding things, he informs us that we are precious in his sight! (Is. 43:4).

When our self-esteem is based on our output, it will eventually and undoubtedly collapse.  When based on God’s input, however, it will soar!  

Which underscores the importance of being in our Bibles and mining these golden truths!  There’s an abundance of wealth just waiting to be uncovered there and make us spiritually rich.  It’s exactly the input we need to prosper in this output-based world.

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Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts … And be thankful.  Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you [encourage one another] and [praise] … God with gratitude in your hearts.  (Colossians 3:15-16)