
In other words, in the mind of God before anything was created HE determined "for the glory of HIS grace" and "according to the purpose of HIS will" our position through Christ! From this understanding flows are sense of value. We do not need to be overly concerned with how others see us. We are totally caught up with how the Father see us! We no longer need to seek the approval of man, we pursue a deeper understanding of the Father's perspective of us. When the enemy tries to "bang the drum" about our old self, we respond by meditating on the truth about our new self:
I have been given the right to be [called] a child of God (John 1:12).
I am no longer a slave but a friend of Christ (John 15:15).
I have been bought for adoption through Christ’s blood (I Corinthians 6:20).
I was predestined for adoption (Ephesians 1:5).
I am a child of Abba by adoption (Romans 8:15).
I am God’s work of art (Ephesians 2:10).
I am no longer under any condemnation (Romans 8:1).
I cannot be separated from the Father’s love (Romans 8:35).
I am loved by the Father himself (John 16:27).
I have been redeemed and forgiven (Colossians 1:14).
I am a citizen of heaven (Philippians 3:20).
I have not been given a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1: 7).
I am no longer a slave but a son (Galatians 4:7).
I am seated with the Son in heaven (Ephesians 2:6).
I am of the same family as Jesus (Hebrews 2:11).
I am a brother of the Lord Jesus (Hebrews 2:11).
I can approach the Father with confidence (Hebrews 4:16).
I am a brand new person in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:17).
If our sense and need of significance is drawn from sonship and not slavery, then we will be able to achieve God's purpose for our lives. We will be able to serve him out of gratitude rather than the need for approval.