Philip Yancey writes in his book, What's So Amazing About Grace?,

Sociologists have a theory of the looking-glass self: you become what the most important person in your life (wife, father, boss, etc.) thinks you are. How would my life change if I truly believed the Bible's astounding words about God's love for me, if I looked in the mirror and saw what God sees?

Perhaps the most famous convert to Jesus was Paul, who is the human author of half of the New Testament. However, before He came to Jesus he was a completely different man. Listen to his own testimony: I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service, even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor...It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all (I Timothy 1:12-13a, 15). How does the self-proclaimed worst sinner that ever lived become the human author of half of the New Testament, and certainly the greatest evangelist in the history of Christianity?! He says it was because of Christ Jesus. The thing that absolutely transformed Paul's life was Christ's love. Paul says, For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf (II Corinthians 5:14-15). Paul was set free from the anger and bitterness that seethed in him and from the violent behavior that had distinguished him. He was set free by the love of Jesus. Jesus' death and resurrection meant so much personally and daily to Paul.

Do you really believe that Jesus died and rose again for YOU? Do you think about this love as you go about your daily life, and as you plan what you're going to spend the rest of your life doing?

So many of us are controlled by fear, selfishness, and pride. It's these deep inner motivations that guide our behavior and plans. We are off at the very core of our heart. So, our lives are off as well. We are wasting them. It doesn't have to be this way. Jesus can change you, just like He changed Paul. Paul writes, Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come (II Corinthians 5:17).

Accept Jesus' love for you which He displayed so powerfully on the cross. Count on this love each day and live your life accordingly. Live like a person who knows he's loved by God.