Your worth and your significance is not based on you have done or will do. Christianity is not based on how well your perform. It’s not based on how often you pray. It’s not based on how often you read your bible. It’s not based on how well you don’t sin. It’s not based on how involved you are with church. It isn’t based on well you’ve managed your anger. It’s not based how well you’ve loved those around you. 

It is completely based on Jesus and what He has done for us. You are worth it, not because of what you have done, but because of what Jesus has done. You will always feel like a complete failure if you get your worth and your significance out of what you have already done.

But when you realize that your worth is solely based on what Jesus has done for you, that He bought you at a price, then you will be at peace. You will stop performing. You will stop comparing. You will stop striving for approval. You will stop working for love. You will be secure, knowing you are a son (Gal 3:26). 

How do I know this?

This is what the Fathers do to their sons (Luke 15:18-23). 

People perform when they feel like they have to meet an expectation. Or when they are trying to gain approval from others. Both of these do not exist when a son knows how his Father has loved him, because a Father has no expectation, and has already given approval. 

The only thing that Father expected was for the son to receive His love which would result in absolute freedom from guilt, shame, and condemnation. 

The only thing the son had to deal with was the judgmental, unforgiving brother. Your Father will not deal with you according to your actions (Psalm 103:10, 2 Cor 5:19, John 8:11, Luke 18:22, Romans 5:20). Know it, believe it. You’ll change, be rocked to the core because that kindness (Rom 2:4). Learn to extend the same kindness to brothers and sisters who are trying to hold your past against you, constantly reminding you of your failures and shortcomings. They do not know what they do, and they also need to know how the Father has loved them (Luke 15:31-32).

Stop performing and just be yourself. Accepted, whole, approved, beloved, and backed up by yo Dad.