THE GOD IMAGE: SELF-ESTEEM!

THE GOD IMAGE: ESTEEM, Part 1

THE HIGHEST ESTEEM

“...For as he(she) thinks within himself (herself), so he (she) is...” (Proverbs 23:7 NASB).

“...For...[God, the Holy Spirit]... know the thoughts that ...[he thinks]... toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jeremiah 29:11 KJV).

“…Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God…” (2 Corinthians 3:5 KJV). 

“...he (God, the Holy Spirit)...hath done marvellous things…” ( Psalms 98:1 KJV).

“… Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done …” (Psalms 40:5 KJV).

So...“…be conformed to the image of his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).

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What is self-esteem? First, let’s come up with a definition for SELF by looking at creation. “…And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground (body), and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (Holy Spirit); and man became a living soul (soul)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV).

The bible refers to the soul as a person, a who, or a self. “...Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore ... for WHOsoever doeth any work therein, THAT SOUL shall be cut off from among his people...” (Exodus 31:14 KJV). “...and souls of men...” (Revelation 18:13 KJV). “.. and man(woman) became a living soul (soul)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV).

Jesus came to earth to SAVE SOULS, the lost SOUL. “…The Son of man came to seek and to save THAT WHICH WAS LOST…” (Luke 19:10 KJV). “...Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ (God’s living Word), and thou shalt be saved…” (ACTS 16:31 KJV).  “...receive the word ...which is able to save your souls...” (James 1:21 KJV). “...those (people) who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls...” (Acts 2:41 KJV).

God encourages, the righteous to WIN SOULS too. “...he (she) that winneth SOULS is wise...” (Proverbs 11:30 KJV). “...he (she) who turns a sinner (leads that person to Jesus) from the error of his (her) way will save his(her) soul from death...” (James 5:20 KJV).

The bible is repeatedly referring to these souls as people or persons. When God finished the creation of Adam, he called him “a living soul.” Adam wasn’t GIVEN a soul, he BECAME “a living soul.”

When a SOUL is saved, that soul RETURNS to the SHEPHERD of the SOUL! “...ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls...” (1 Peter 2:25 KJV). “...Behold, all souls are Mine (God, the Holy Spirit’s)...” (Ezekiel 18:4 KJV).“…the world is mine, and the fulness thereof…(Psalm 50:12 KJV). “…all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine…” (1 Chronicles 29:11 KJV).

The SOUL then is the SELF of the male and female, which includes the unity of an individual’s body, emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. The SELF also reveals the personality and identity of that particular person(soul). “.. and man(woman) became a living soul (soul)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV).

Self-esteem, then, is a mental representation a person has of themselves as a whole. “….Jesus Christ (the WORD of GOD) maketh thee WHOLE…” (Acts 9:34 KJV). Self-esteem is an OVERALL assessment of their OWN self-worth or VALUE.

Self-esteem REVEALS how much a person appreciates themselves or like themselves. .“….Apart from Me, you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).  

It also reveals what they believe about themselves, how they appraise their appearance, how they judge their performances, or how they view their character traits. “...man looks at the outward appearance, …”(1 Samuel 16:7 NASB).

In areas, where a person’s esteem is HIGH, they are or can be pretty successful, but in areas, where a person’s esteem is LOW or NIL, they are and can be pretty defeated, depressed, downtrodden, or destructive. “...For as he(she) thinks within himself (herself), so he (she) is...” (Proverbs 23:7 NASB).

Wherever esteem is LOW or NIL a person can make BAD CHOICES about situations and relationships, which usually end up HARMING them or making esteem WORST.“…I want to do what is right, but I can’t…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

The other  spectrum of LOW or NIL esteem is narcissism where a person CREATES a GRANDIOSE and UNREALISTIC representation of themselves as a whole, that can also end up causing HARM or DAMAGE to “that” individual. “…do not think of yourself more highly than you ought…” (Romans 12:3 NIV).  “… there is none good but one, that is, God...” (Mark 10:18 KJV).

Self-esteem influences an individual’s life one way or another. How you SEE yourself as a WHOLE will MOTIVATE your success or your failure. “...For as he(she) thinks within himself (herself), so he (she) is...” (Proverbs 23:7 NASB). "...You will also decree a thing, and it will be established for you...” (Matthew 9:29 NASB). “...It shall be done to you according to your faith (what you believe)..." (Matthew 9:29 NASB).

When a person FEEDS positive thoughts to their minds, it will boost their attitudes, and encourage them to accomplish their goals in life. “...You will succeed in whatever you choose to do...” (Job 22:28 NLT). “...according to your faith (what you believe)..." (Matthew 9:29 NASB).

The person needs positive thoughts, first and  foremost, in order to feed them to the mind. What do, most people, normally, need in order to influence positive thoughts? “...For as he(she) thinks within ...” (Proverbs 23:7 NASB). “...so he (she) is...” (Proverbs 23:7 NASB).

Usually positive thoughts, about one’s self come from such factors as good genetics that help shape the personality, or positive assessments from intimate caregivers, family, friends, society or culture. “...the empty life you inherited from your ancestors...” (1 Peter 1:18 NLT).  “...perishable things ... from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers...” (1 Peter 1:18 NASB). “...corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers...” (1 Peter 1:18 KJV).

These two factors (genetics and positive assessments) are MOST instrumental in promoting the positive, inner, thoughts needed to feed the mind, boost our attitudes, and impact our self-esteem so we can accomplish our goals.

Those two factors are IDEAL situations for healthy self-esteem. However, self-esteem may also be influenced by disabilities, illnesses, physical limitations, negative assessments from intimate caregivers, family, friends, society or culture, bad genetics, or even the type of job you have.

Nonetheless, “...the empty life you inherited ...” (1 Peter 1:18 NLT).  “...perishable things ... [or]...way of life inherited...” (1 Peter 1:18 NASB). “...corruptible things ...received by tradition ...” (1 Peter 1:18 KJV).

The PROBLEM, of self-esteem, becomes a serious ISSUE when there are NO positive thoughts to FEED the mind. “…I [am] …a slave to the sin that is … within me (within my nature and affects my mind.) …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).“......I want to do what is right, but I can’t. …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

Without THOSE positive thoughts to FEED the mind, the attitude won’t be boosted and goals won’t be accomplished. “...I want to do what is good, but I don’t …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

Self-esteem is a fundamental NEED. “…God will generously PROVIDE all you need…” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT).“…God will supply all [your need …” (Philippians 4:19 NASB).

When self-esteem is NOT available, in the ROLE of motivator, most human beings STRUGGLE, to reach certain goals (big or small). “…I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “…Apart from [Christ, you can]... do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

Self-esteem, in the ROLE of MOTIVATOR, is not ONLY for the purpose of DOING something, but it also aids in establishing self-respect, worthiness, and awareness of one’s value upon earth.

The God IMAGE, which is the INDWELLING Holy Spirit, is the MOTIVATOR for the righteous. The indwelling Holy Spirit EMPOWERS, the righteous, with esteem through HIS love for them.

God’s LOVE accepts them. “…Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God SHOWS NO FAVORITISM.  In every nation HE ACCEPTS those who fear him and do what is right…” (Acts 10:34-36 NLT). “… [God]…hath made us ACCEPTED in the beloved…” (Ephesians 1:6 KJV).

God’s love purposely chooses them. "You did not choose me but I chose you, and appointed you  ...” (John 15:16 ASV).  “…God chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world…” (Ephesians 1:4).

God’s love proudly takes ownership of them. “….You belong to God…” (1 John 4:4 NLT). “…But you belong to God, my dear children. …” (1 John 4:2-7 NIV).

God’s love CLAIMS them as his own Children. “…YE ARE “ALL” CHILDREN OF GOD BY FAITH “IN” CHRIST JESUS…” (Galatians 3:26-28 KJV). ^“.We know that we are God’s children…” (1 John 5:19 RSV).

God’s love respects and values them through his demonstration of honor. “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…Love ...does not dishonor others….” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV). “…God honors ...[his righteous ones]. …” (Psalms 37:34 NLT). “..My (the righteous)… honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me…” (Psalms 62:7 NLT). “… Others were given in exchange for you. I traded their lives for yours because you are precious to me. You are honored, and I love you…” (Isaiah 43:4 NLT). “…I have given you a title of honor …” (Isaiah 45:4 NLT). “…The Lord has honored me, and my God has given me strength…” (Isaiah 49:5 NLT). Therefore, “…Sit in a place of honor…” (Isaiah 52:2 NLT).

Human self-esteem motivates you to accomplish personal goals as it rallies for your self-worth and value as an individual at the same time. Self-esteem SAYS: “...YOU CAN do this because you are an asset to the TASK and you bring value to it as well...”

Self-esteem also helps you reach your POTENTIAL. It helps you accept yourself, strengths and weaknesses. It helps you grow as an individual who knows their own worth, and their own value.

In addition, self-esteem can enable you to view others, regardless of their differences, with the same potential as you’ve personally experienced.

People with HEALTHY self-esteem  are said to show signs of having confidence in themselves as a whole, are positive, resilience, possess good communication skills, are peaceful with and accepting of both their strengths and weaknesses, and have no problem saying no. People with low self-esteem are the opposite.

According to the experts, being healthy is experiencing physical, mental, and social well-being, and is the resource for living a full and happy life.

A HEALTHY self-esteem, is part of mental health. Ideal mental health would, simply, INCLUDE positive thoughts and positive perceptions.

However, in order for some to have good mental health mental illness, negative thoughts, negative perceptions, and chronic physical challenges need to be considered.

Unfortunately, healthy or unhealthy self-esteem is impacted by a person’s ability to adapt positive thoughts and positive perceptions to body changes, threats to comfort zones, infirmities, disabilities, and unexpected experiences life presents to them.

Maintaining healthy self-esteem is not always easy to preserve. One’s thoughts, especially when life’s challenges happen, are not always dependable for sustaining good mental health.

In order to maintain good mental health, during life’s challenges, a person needs a reliable SOURCE to sustain their well-being. They NEED a SOURCE that is oriented toward empowering self-esteem, during challenging times, that keeps them moving toward their goals.

Thus, self-esteem has VERY little PROFIT, to the righteous! It has no more PROFIT than body image. Remember“..bodily discipline (body image) is only of little profit, but godliness (the God image) is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come...” (1 Timothy 4:8 NASB).

For the righteous, self-esteem has NO eternal value and the “little” value that it does have is temporary like body image. “..bodily discipline (body image) is only of little profit...” (1 Timothy 4:8 NASB).

ESTEEM, for the righteous, is necessary for the purpose of being HEALTHY, especially spiritually. ESTEEM is also necessary in order to be an USEFUL earthen vessel for the indwelling Holy Spirit. We should pray for GOOD health in ALL areas. “...I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers...” (3 John 2 NASB).

For the righteous, ESTEEM, is GIVEN to them, as a GIFT, through the indwelling Holy Spirit. “…You will receive the gift of the (excellent indwelling) Holy Spirit….” (Acts 2:38 NASB).

NOW, “…Jesus Christ (the God image) is IN YOU …” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…[you]…have this treasure in [your]…earthen vessel (body)...” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV).

An earthen vessel is advantageous for the temporary time, the righteous, is upon the earth. ESTEEM is about KNOWING who they are “IN” Christ and WHO Christ is when he is “IN” them! “…Therefore if any man (woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a NEW creature …” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “… All things are … [MADE] … NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).   “…by the GRACE of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).

“...greater is He who is in you than he (she) who is in the world (body image, self-image, and self-esteem is IN the world)...” (1 John 4:4 NASB). “...He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world...” (1 John 4:4 KJV). “...the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world...” (1 John 4:4 NIV). “...the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world...” (1 John 4:4 NLT).

“…there is  none (no body image, self-image, self-esteem) like unto thee (god, the holy spirit)…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).

According to the bible, “The Son (jesus Christ) is ...the exact representation (IMAGE) of his being…” (Hebrews 1:3 KJV).

“…Jesus Christ is IN YOU…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV).“…[you]…have this treasure in [your]…earthen vessel (body)...” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV).

“...your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you...” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NASB).

“…In this world we are like Jesus…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). “...Be … imitators of [Jesus]…” (Hebrews 12:14; Ephesians 5:1 ASV). “… growing in every way more and more like Christ (the god image)…” (Ephesians 4:14-16 NLT).

The ESTEEM, for the righteous, serves a purpose in this temporary life and the eternal life to come. Because, “..godliness (the God image) is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come...” (1 Timothy 4:8 NASB).

“...training for godliness (for God image) is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come...” (1 Timothy 4:8 NLT)

“...a disciplined life in God (developing the God image) is far more so, making you fit (spiritually) both today and forever. You can count on this. Take it to heart. This is why we’ve thrown ourselves into this venture so totally. We’re banking on the living God, Savior of all men and women, especially believers...” (1 Timothy 4:8-10 MSG).

Self-esteem is limited to the potential for this temporary life upon earth, but it will DO NOTHING, whatsoever, to PROMOTE the Kingdom of God In order to PROMOTE the Kingdom of God, the righteous CHOOSE to be LIKE JESUS in ALL ways. “...Be … imitators of [Jesus]…” (Hebrews 12:14; Ephesians 5:1 ASV). “… growing in every way more and more like Christ (the god image)…” (Ephesians 4:14-16 NLT).

 “…be conformed to the image of his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV). “..since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come...” (1 Timothy 4:8 NASB).

 

THE GOD IMAGE: THE SELF-IMAGE, PART 2

THE GOD IMAGE: SELF-IMAGE, part 2

“…In this world we are like Jesus…” (1 John 4:17 NIV).

“…be conformed to the image of his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).

“...[NOT]...an image..[or self image]... in the form of corruptible man (yours or society’s “ideal,”  or human standard of an image) ...” (Romans 1:21-25 NASB).

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The struggles and suffering is OVER. You no longer have to try to GET, GRAVEL, or LONG to BECOME some IDEAL, human image.

The God IMAGE is GIVEN to you as a GIFT through the indwelling Holy Spirit. You are ALREADY a NEW CREATION with a NEW IMAGE

You are ALREADY a new personality “IN” Jesus Christ. You are RELEASED from the old identity shaped by the sin nature. The righteous (NEW CREATIONS) choose to trust in and depend upon God by allowing the indwelling Holy Spirit to EMPOWER them to walk in their NEW FREEDOM by learning to LIVE FREE .“...you have no obligation to do (build an identity based on the old self-image) what your sinful nature urges you to do…” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).

“… if any man (woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a new creature…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “…I WILL GIVE you a new heart (Jesus, the God image, is sown into your heart making it brand new), and I will put a new spirit in you (the indwelling Holy Spirit is “IN” you)…” (Ezekiel 36:26 NLT). “ ….. THE WORD (Jesus, the God IMAGE) …was sown in THEIR HEARTS…” (Mark 4:14-15 & Luke 8:11 KJV). “…Jesus Christ (the God image) is IN YOU…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…[you]…have this treasure in [your]…earthen vessel (body)...” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV).

YOU ALREADY HAVE A “NEW” IMAGE. “…God … SENT forth the Spirit of His Son (Jesus, the God image) “INTO” [Y]OUR… HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB).

YOU JUST NEED TO BE CONFORMED TO “THAT” NEW IMAGE. “…be conformed to the image of his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).

THAT IMAGE WAS GIVEN TO YOU! “…[you]…have this treasure in [your]…earthen vessel (body)...” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV). “…by the grace of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).  

You are a “LIVING SOUL” again. You are spiritually ALIVE.“….Jesus Christ (the GOD image) maketh thee WHOLE (AGAIN)…” (Acts 9:34 KJV). “... and man became a living soul …” (Genesis 2:7 KJV).

“…you are not controlled by your sinful nature (OR ITS IMAGES). You are controlled by the Spirit (THE GOD IMAGE) if you have the Spirit of God living in you …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).

“…the Son (the GOD IMAGE) ... [made]... you (free AND), yoU...[are]... free indeed …” (John 8:36 KJV).

“…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…the Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL LIFE…” (John 3:6 NLT).  “...The Spirit GIVES life...” (John 6:63 NIV).

“...He is ... God (the Holy Spirit IS THE ONE) who made the world and everything in it ...He himself gives life (spiritual life) and breath (existence) to everything...” (Acts 17:24-25 NLT).

“...[God’s] …Holy Spirit …is the SOURCE [of  it ALL]…” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). Thus, “... and man (woman) became a living soul (again!) …” (Genesis 2:7 KJV). “... [THEY ARE RELEASED FROM WORLDLY IMAGES AND ARE]...free indeed …” (John 8:36 KJV).

These SCRIPTURES are the TRUTH about God’s people, the REDEEMED AND RIGHTEOUS. It is the TRUTH that sets them FREE.“… thy (GOD’S) word is truth…” (JOHN 17:17 KJV).

“…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by SIN( SINFUL IMAGES)? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord (Jesus, the God IMAGE)…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).   Jesus had another name. “… His name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). .“… thy word is truth…” (JOHN 17:17 KJV). “… the Son (Jesus Christ, the indwelling Holy Spirit. the Word of God, the God IMAGE, etc.,)…shall make you FREE...” (John 8:36 KJV).

There is a CONFLICT between the OLD IDENTITY, images, and personality that has been heavily informed and shaped by the sin nature and the NEW.

Your NEW IDENTITY as a NEW CREATION in CHRIST JESUS, the indwelling Holy Spirit, wants what God wants. “…The sinful nature (body of flesh) wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the [indwelling Holy] Spirit wants ...These TWO FORCES are constantly fighting each other, so you are not FREE to carry out your good intentions...” (Galatians 5 NLT).

THE SOLUTION: “… Be transformed by the renewing of your mind….” (Romans 12:2 KJV).

WHAT WILL THE WORD OF GOD (the SOLUTION) DO TO HELP FREE YOU FROM YOUR “OLD” IDENTITY?  “...the washing of water by the word (of god)...” (Ephesians 5:25-25 KJV). “….ye are SANCTIFIED (cleaned) …[BY THE WORD]…” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11 KJV). “….ye are SANCTIFIED (cleaned) … by the SPIRIT of our GOD…” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11 KJV).“…THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK unto you, they ARE SPIRIT…” (John 6:63 KJV). ).

 “…Create in me a clean heart, O God…” (Psalms 51:10 KJV). “…Christ ….loved the church, and GAVE himself for it; That he might SANCTIFY and CLEANSE it, with the washing of water by the word (of god)….” (Ephesians 5:25-25 KJV). “… The God of peace Himself  SANCTIFY  (cleanse) you ENTIRELY…” (1 Thessalonians 5:23 NASB). “...God has chosen you from the beginning for SALVATION through SANCTIFICATION (cleansing power) by the Spirit and faith (trust in and dependency upon) ... the truth…” (2 Thessalonians 2:13 NASB “….ye are SANCTIFIED (cleaned) …in the name of the Lord Jesus (the Word), and by the SPIRIT of our GOD…” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11 KJV).

As my sister/friend, forever (SFF), Pastor Linda M. Wilson says, “...It’s SIMPLE, but it AIN’T easy...”

Before you become a NEW CREATION, your old personality identified you, defined you, and determined how you engage, interact, and experience the world around you.

Your old personality was developed by experiences that started early in life and shaped behaviors that formed character traits that pretty much stayed the same over your lifespan.

Those earlier experiences put information into your heart and mind that produced particular character traits and behaviors.

The  character traits and behaviors came from the information put into the heart, which also shaped your personality and influenced your acclimation to life around you.

Behavior is observed by what someone DOES. What someone DOES will IMPACT emotions, intellect, the heart, and if done over a long period of time, it will develop character traits.

CHARACTER TRAITS become PERSONALITY and will DEFINE who a person is within their heart.

Experts say personality is also considered temperament and temperament is considered a person’s NATURE. A person’s nature is basically what AFFECTS behavior.

From a spiritual perspective, personality grows out of the kind of NATURE/ TEMPERAMENT a person is born with.“….I was born a sinner ….” (Psalms 51:5 NLT).

Differences in the expression of that SINFUL NATURE/temperament are influenced by  how a person experiences life.

People usually have life experiences that reinforce or encourage different expressions of that SINFUL NATURE/temperament, which lays the foundation for personality.

The WAY a person learns, is trained, shaped, or is conditioned to express that SINFUL NATURE/temperament, over the lifespan, will develop into personality.

Somewhere during the person’s lifespan, some experts, believe the personality becomes FIXED and impossible to CHANGE.

The SINFUL NATURE/temperament plays a major role in personality, whether we like it or not. Personality is SHAPED by experiences in a world, under the POWER of the EVIL ONE. Personality is DEVELOPED in environments, under the POWER of the EVIL ONE. “...the whole world lies under the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19 RSV).

The EVIL ONE, in one way or another, overt or covert, will IMPACT how the personality is SHAPED. The constant, ongoing, unavoidable interaction of the SINFUL NATURE/temperament and the EVIL ONE’s environments will influence how the personality is expressed through one’s moods and behaviors. “….I was born a sinner ….” (Psalms 51:5 NLT).

For example, by NATURE you are a SINNER. “….I was born a sinner ….” (Psalms 51:5 NLT).“…[Now]... all have sinned (all have been born with a sin nature)…” (Romans 3:23 KJV). “…all have ... come short of the glory of God (all are born missing or WITHOUT the indwelling Holy Spirit)…” (Romans 3:23 KJV).

"…That which is born of the flesh is flesh…” (John 3:6 KJV). “….I was born a sinner (I was born without the indwelling Holy Spirit)—yes, from the moment my mother conceived me….” (Psalms 51:5 NLT).

Growing up you may have been “basically” even -tempered, and laid-back, but a run in with a nasty person, in a different environment, may bring out a different side of you and you find yourself cussing, being hot-tempered and angry.

This example shows that personality is heavily impacted by the underlying and powerful SINFUL NATURE.

Thus, not only are you shaped by the EVIL ONE’S environments through your various experiences, but the environments force you to develop traits, habits, and behaviors heavily influenced by the POWERFUL SINFUL NATURE.

The SINFUL NATURE is a reality.

“….I was born a sinner ….” (Psalms 51:5 NLT)."…That which is born of the flesh is flesh…” (John 3:6 KJV). “….I was born a sinner (I was born without the indwelling Holy Spirit)—yes, from the moment my mother conceived me….” (Psalms 51:5 NLT).

Personality is shaped with the SINFUL NATURE as an innate and enduring part of its development.  A personality  includes a person’s belief’s about self, family, social and intimate relationships, religion, work ethics, mental and physical health, perceptions of morality, how one loves, or the many other aspect of life.

All these aspects of personality is fundamental tied to the SINFUL NATURE. Why is this important, because people go around saying people are “basically” good, but the bible is saying people are “basically” a sinful nature. “….I was born a sinner ….” (Psalms 51:5 NLT)."…That which is born of the flesh is flesh…” (John 3:6 KJV). “….I was born a sinner (I was born without the indwelling Holy Spirit)—yes, from the moment my mother conceived me….” (Psalms 51:5 NLT).

The personality, which is tied fundamentally to the SINFUL NATURE, shapes so much of who a person is, or how they define themselves, or how they function in day to day life that they may not fully be aware of it.

The SINFUL NATURE/temperament, like it or not, has an effect on PERSONALITY, which impacts how a person’s character traits are developed and how they will behave.

There are some parts of one’ s personality that may become FIXED. Most people come to believe some of their character traits are hopelessly unchangeable.

They are right, no matter how much they try it is impossible to change the part of their personality,  shaped, molded, trained, or influenced by their POWERFUL SINFUL NATURE/ temperament, which is biologically (body of flesh) determined.

The SINFUL NATURE/temperament is WHO human beings are innately and their behaviors are what they DO as a result of that NATURE.

The SINFUL NATURE/temperament is the underlying, innate, enduring  problem that exists in personality. That NATURE makes it impossible to fundamentally change a person’s heart, their emotions, or the way they think, or the way they behave from day to day.

Even when people attempt to change their personalities, the underlying, innate, and enduring SINFUL/NATURE, will be a part of it. “…The flesh (the sinful nature’s effort to change) profiteth nothing…” (John 6:63 KJV). “…Human effort (the sinful nature’s effort) accomplishes nothing….” (John 6:63 NLT).

Many things happens in life to IMPACT the personality’s emotional climate or behavior such as trauma, moving, new jobs, therapy, developing new habits, having a body, death, marriage, etc., but it doesn’t change the innate, enduring, or underlying SINFUL NATURE/temperament. “...The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin (through the sinful nature)…I [am] …a slave to the ..[innate, enduring, etc.]... sin that is … within me (within my sinful nature) …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

The innate, enduring, and underlying SINFUL NATURE/temperament is impossible to change without God, the Holy Spirit. “….I was born a sinner (I was born without the indwelling Holy Spirit)—yes, from the moment my mother conceived me….” (Psalms 51:5 NLT).

 “…The ...[sinful]... nature ...never did obey God’s laws, and it never will.…” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).

Some people may WANT to change. “...I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

 “…The sinful nature wants to do evil... so you are not FREE to carry out your good intentions. … …” (Galatians 5 NLT).

No matter how much effort a person puts into changing their SINFUL NATURE/temperament, they can’t. “...The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin (through the sinful nature) …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).  “...Apart from [Jesus Christ]… [mankind cannot]... do nothing [they cannot change their nature]…” (John 15:5 NIV).

According to research many people WANT to change their personality, because they are dissatisfied with it. They want a NEW self-image. “...Who will free me from this life that is dominated by [the sin nature and its images]?” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

Unfortunately, personality is intertwined with what you are by NATURE and without Jesus Christ, “that” NATURE cannot be changed. It “IS” what it “IS” a SINFUL NATURE. “…Apart from [Jesus Christ]… [mankind cannot]... do nothing [they cannot change their nature]…” (John 15:5 NIV). “….I was born a sinner ….” (Psalms 51:5 NLT)."…That which is born of the flesh is flesh…” (John 3:6 KJV).

“...Who will free me from this life that is dominated by [the sinful nature]?” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

“...I [am] …a slave to the ..[innate, enduring, etc.]... sin that is … within me (within my sinful nature) …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

“...I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

“...The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin (through the sinful nature) …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

“….I was born a sinner ….” (Psalms 51:5 NLT)."…That which is born of the flesh is flesh…” (John 3:6 KJV).

“...The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

God did NOT sent Jesus to CHANGE your SINFUL NATURE, he sent him to DELIVER and RELEASE you totally from it!

To CHANGE means to MAKE the SINFUL NATURE different like when you try to make it into a NEW self-image.

TO DELIVER means to be SET FREE and HEALED from the SINFUL NATURE by BECOMING a NEW CREATION.

“…Therefore if any man (woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “...For in him we live, and move, and have our being (OUR NEW IMAGES, PERSONALITY, ETC.); as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring...” (Acts 17:28 KJV).

Is anything too hard for God to DELIVER you from? “…I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV).

Is your DELIVERANCE and RELEASE from the SINFUL NATURE impossible? “…The things which are impossible with men are possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV).

 “… THE LORD … is Your rock and Your fortress, your deliverer…” (Psalms 18:3 NASB).

SELF-IMAGE is something you try to earn, deserve, or become worthy of obtaining.

God IMAGE is something you can’t earn, deserve, or become worthy of obtaining, YET it is a indwelling GIFT freely GIVEN to the righteous!

“…be conformed to the image of his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).

“…[you]…have this treasure in [your]…earthen vessel (body)...” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV). “…Jesus Christ is IN YOU…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV).

“…God … SENT forth the Spirit of His Son (the God image) “INTO” [Y]OUR… HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB) “…IT IS THE GIFT  OF GOD …” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).

“… since it is through God’s kindness (the indwelling God image)… it is not by [your]… good works. God’s grace …[makes all his actions toward us]…—free and undeserved…” (Romans 11:6 NLT). “…by the GRACE of God I am what I am (a new creation with the indwelling Holy Spirit)…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).

So...“…be conformed to the image of his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).