You’re More Than Your Crown
Esther & Identity: You’re More Than a Crown
Opening Thought: The Identity Trap Let’s be real. In today’s world, it's easy to let platform define purpose. We post. We wait. We refresh. We wonder, Do they see me? Like me? Approve of me? But as Jennie Allen said, “We weren’t made for this kind of glory.” We were never meant to receive worship — only to reflect it back to the One who made us. The praise of others is a fleeting perfume — sweet for a second, but gone with the wind. And if we’re not careful, the pursuit of applause becomes our identity, our addiction, and eventually... our prison. 📖 Scripture Spotlight “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” — Colossians 3:2–3 Esther’s life looked like royalty, but her identity was hidden in something greater than the palace walls. It was hidden — anchored — in her obedience to the Living God. She wasn’t just “Esther the Queen.” She was Hadassah, beloved daughter of the Most High.
Biblical & Historical Insight Esther's Hebrew name, Hadassah, means “myrtle tree” — a plant known for its healing properties and sweet fragrance. According to Jewish tradition, the myrtle symbolizes righteousness. Esther, like the myrtle, gave off the fragrance of courage under pressure. In the Persian empire, beauty was idolized. Women were commodities. Their value came from their ability to please, not their purpose. But God had different plans. He placed a Hebrew orphan girl at the center of power — not for her glory, but His redemption.
Heart Check: Who’s at the Center? If you drew a picture of your life, what would be in the center? Your career? Your kids? That relationship? Your feed? Your image? Your hustle? Don’t know? Check your calendar. Check your screen time. Check your bank statement. Ask your closest people. They’ll tell you. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” — Matthew 6:21 Esther had access to treasures beyond imagination — but her true treasure was her faithfulness to God. 🪞 Personal Reflection I’ve spent seasons measuring myself by performance: Did people like what I wrote? Did I lead well enough? Was I doing enough to be enough? But here’s the truth I’ve learned, slowly and sometimes painfully: My worth isn’t based on how wide my reach is — it’s based on how deep my roots are in Christ. Not everyone clapped for Esther. Not everyone understood her obedience. But Heaven noticed. ✨ Truth to Cling To You don’t need to post your purpose to prove it. You don’t need a title, crown, or platform to walk in God’s calling. Esther reminds us that the most powerful influence often happens behind closed doors, on our knees in prayer, with trembling faith. The world may celebrate crowns. But Heaven celebrates character.
Challenge of the Day: The Quiet Audit Take a quiet moment today and ask: Who or what am I chasing? What voices matter too much? What would shift if I centered my life completely on Christ? Then — log off. Spend 24 hours without sharing, posting, or scrolling. Just be. Just listen. Let the stillness speak.
Prayer God, I confess I have chased the applause of others more than Your voice. I have built altars out of opinions and tried to find my worth in platforms instead of Your presence. Today, I lay it all down. Remind me that I am Yours — hidden, held, and holy in Christ. Let me live not for the fleeting glory of the world, but for Your eternal delight. Amen. Esther teaches us that true identity doesn’t come from popularity or platform, but from knowing we are chosen and called by God. In a world obsessed with visibility, she models the quiet power of a life centered on obedience and rooted in God’s presence.
