There are few things more beautiful than self-confidence. People who exhibit it radiate strength, passion, and conviction. It contributes more to a look than a designer label or the perfect diamond. When people know who they are, why they are, and what their purpose is, they may be dressed in thrift store specials and be absolutely gorgeous.

Confident persons are not afraid to be themselves. Whether they are plain, simple, or beautiful, flamboyant and fabulous, the key is that they know who they are. They understand their purpose and gifts. They know they have a contribution to make in this world, at this time, in this place.

They know their style. It doesn’t matter whether they prefer wearing zebra stripes and pink fur, or choose to be cloaked in grays and subtle greens. What is most important is that they are free to be themselves, free to express their interests, their tastes, and their beliefs.

That means stretching and stepping out. So if you’re supposed to be on the front lines, be there. Don’t step back. If you are blessed with supportive skills, be the best supporter you can be. Expand your skills. Celebrate the talents and experiences God has given you.

What is Your Confidence Based On?

“All of your real value and worth is built in by design,” says Denis Waitley in Timing is Everything. “You received it as a precious present when God gave you the gift of life. That gift — all of what’s in you — is really all the value you’ll ever need. It isn’t a matter of finding value, earning value, or proving value. It’s a matter of living up to the value built in at the beginning.”

When you know our value in our very bones, it springs up from within, inspiring you to live into the generous calling of God on your life.

Confidence radiates from a deep center — from knowing that you are precious. And when you know we’re valuable in God’s sight, you can approach him with confidence. Your confidence isn’t really self-confidence at all; it is confidence in an all-powerful, all-knowing, ever-present, loving, and just God.

To achieve anything or take any action consistent with God’s plan for your life, you must first place your confidence in God, knowing that he works all things for good to those who love him. That kind of faith makes it easy to surrender yourself fully to his Spirit’s leading.

A Picture of Confidence

A Christian’s confidence is neither loud nor boastful. In fact, it is often gentle, quiet, and humble. And inevitably powerful. Someone who has a message to share with the world, someone who makes a difference, radiates confidence!

Speaking Confidence

How do you talk about yourself? Are you the first to put yourself down? Words have power — either to build up or break down.

Start listening to your self-talk. Do you ever demean yourself by calling yourself “stupid,” “a wimp,” or “a coward?” Stop immediately and replace such words with biblical truth. Jesus was clear about his worth and made emphatic statements about who he was: I am the Bread of Life. I am the True Vine. I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. And what he says about you is also amazing. Discover all he says about you and embrace that truth in faith.

How do you speak about your body? Can you imagine Jesus complaining about fat toes or big hips or a long chin? He never said anything negative about his body, knowing it was given to him by his loving Father.

Has anyone ever said anything that hurt you deeply? Recognize that the only person who knows your true worth is God. Forgive them for anything they have said that is not according to his truth. Jesus wants you to be confident and whole, not scarred.

Clothes and Confidence

Confidence need not come from expensive clothes, jewelry, or a hairstyle; it’s an attitude. But caring for your health and dressing winsomely is one way of expressing your gratitude to God and your knowledge of your worth as his beloved child.

Look at Yourself

What do you communicate to the world, even when you’re not saying a word? What does your posture and the way you present yourself declare to those who see you? Is there something you can begin to do to better express all that you are to Jesus?

Living Confidently

When do you most feel like the person God created you to be?

Not everyone feels confident all the time. When your sense of worth is shaky, act your way back into feeling confident. Chin up, shoulders back, tummy tucked. Now breathe in and smile. Imagine yourself as a child of the King adorned in royal attire. That’s who you are, after all. You are a child of the King. Now act like it.

Read more about our new identity in Christ here.

updated September 2019

Photo Credit: Joshua Ness