The Difference Value Makes
Today, I continued my Chiropractor appointments. This is my last week of three appointments and then I will taper to two times a week and then once a week. I do need to get back into more of an exercise routine. This will be a good way to push some of my muscle development. I do enjoy getting to the swimming pool even for short workouts.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?” Matthew 6:26
“…how much more valuable is a person than a sheep!…” Matthew 12:12
I recall doing a memorial service the mother of one my legislative colleagues. She was unique person indeed. She experienced difficulties in her young life and made the comment, “I know what it is like to not be wanted.”
The gospel message and the entire story of the Bible is about our value to God. The Bible says that God loves us so much that, “He gave His one and only Son.” He did so that we might have life in Him and enjoy and eternity in His presence. In God’s eyes we are of value. So much so, that the fulfillment of His plan of redemption is that we might be with Him.
“Now God’s presence is with people, and he will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them and will be their God.” (Revelation 21:3)
When you understand your value in God’s eyes…
1 – It instills confidence – When we understand our value in God’s eyes it provides confidence in our living and our asking. It removes fear. “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.“ (Heb. 4:16) “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7)
2 – It builds your sense of trust – When we understand our value, we see that “God is for us…” Jesus said, “if earthly fathers know how to give good gifts…how much more your Father in Heaven…” (Matthew 7:11) Jesus promised never to “leave us or forsake us.” Paul said of our connection to Christ, “…if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.“ (2 Timothy 2:13) God’s love is unconditional and we can rest in His love.
3 – It frees you to value others – When Jesus was in the Upper Room with His disciples before His arrest, John’s Gospel says, “Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his Father. He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end.“ (John 13:1)
Facing His greatest time of need, Jesus takes time to wash the feet of the disciples. But notice it says, “He knew where He had come from and where He was going.” That’s a description of personal security and understanding of value. And out of that understanding Jesus serves others.
When He finished His task, He told His disciples, “I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.” (John 13:15) Jesus told His disciples, “As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34) When we don’t feel valued, it is difficult for us to value others, when we understand our value, it is natural for us to value others in meaningful relationships.
Right after Jesus tells His disciples not to worry about the “things of life” – reassuring them of the Father’s provision, He says, “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.“ (Luke 12:32) Don’t ever underestimate your value in God’s eyes. Live life as valued by God. Live with confidence and trust in your relationship with the Lord and as one who values others.