YOUR VALUE TO GOD?
Some people may see themselves as small and insignificant, sometimes when they compare themselves to others. But the Bible reveals our real value to God, who made all things (John 1:1-4, 14; Colossians 1:16).
YOUR ESSENTIAL VALUE
God values and loves us enough to give his only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to die for us while we were yet sinners (Romans 5:8). “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
Jesus was in heaven in the form of God, but he took the earthly form of man to die for our sins (Philippians 2:6-8). After being mocked, beaten, and laden with a heavy cross he was nailed to the cross. He suffered in agony hanging on the cross “from the sixth hour until the ninth hour.” Dying separated from God because of our sins, Jesus cried out: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Philippians 2:6-8; Matthew 27:15-46).
Our good shepherd Jesus Christ would have come to die for you if you were his only lost sheep (Luke 15:3-7; John 10:11).
YOUR INSTRUMENTAL VALUE
After you repented and accept Jesus as your Savior and Lord, the Holy Spirit came to live in you (John 14:15-17). He helps you to glorify Christ (John 16:13-14). He gives you gifts and abilities to serve other (1 Corinthians 12:4-11). He uses you to witness the saving gospel go Jesus Christ to the world (Mark 16:15-16; Acts 1:8). And the Spirit works in you to conform you to the likeness of our Lord and Savior (Romans 8:29).
REWARDED FOR BEING A LOVING INSTRUMENT
“People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). Using your gifts and talents according to the Spirit of love makes you a more productive instrument for God; more prominent in the eyes of God; and brings greater heavenly rewards. God judges and rewards us according to what we do with a heart of love (2 Corinthians 5:10). This is seen in the ensuing instances.
- On one occasion, Jesus said the following about many who appear prominent but do not love him and others as the Bible says (Luke 10:27): Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ (Matthew 7:22-23).
- However, the Lord will say this about others who are hardly noticed by the world (Matthew 25:34-40): ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
Our self-worth should not be based on appearance and feeling alone; but on the biblical Word of God, which tells you your essential and instrumental value to God.
