Confidence – Our Worth in Christ

Confidence – the word calls to mind a successful individual exuding tremendous self-importance. One who enters a room with head held high, shoulders back…most likely an outspoken, charismatic leader drawing an enthralled audience of admirers.

The Meriam-Webster Dictionary defines confidence as – “A feeling or consciousness of one’s powers or of reliance on one’s circumstances”. In other words, confidence is an inside job. It is ego-driven.

Confidence is defined very differently by followers of Christ. Our confidence is in Christ; not ourselves. The verse speaks to the source of a Christian’s confidence:

Philippians 4:13 KJV

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

This Christian confidence is in direct proportion to one’s level of faith. There is a boldness in the steps of a faith-filled believer. It is a quiet strength, the result of an inner peace. Unlike secular confidence, it is not applauded by the world. It also does not express any inherent self-congratulatory message. It is not self-serving. There is a recognition that any power conveyed by a Christian naturally springs from their relationship with Christ. Rooted in God’s Word, they draw their strength from biblical truth regarding his provision of guidance:

Philippians 1:6 KJV

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

By embracing biblical teachings, a natural state of ease settles over one’s soul. There is this assurance…The Lord will lead one down the proper path towards true confidence and everlasting “success”:

Joshua 1:8 KJV

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

-Melanie DiLeo