So many have heard the saying Know your Worth. But how do we really see ourselves? Do we really see ourselves as valuable or worthy? As pastors, my Husband Nick and myself have truly seen both sides of the coin on this one through our years of ministry. We have seen the affect on those who have been overbearing, and over doting. And we have sadly seen the affect on those who have been neglected in those areas due to poverty, stress and many other issues.
Studies show that as children grow from toddlers to adulthood, so does their self-esteem and self worth. When children feel loved, affirmed and accepted, uplifted, safe and valued, they are more likely to succeed in life in more ways than one. Researchers at MIT, Harvard, and the University of Pennsylvania found that one of the best things parents can do for their children is frequent back and forth exchanges with them. Doing that at an early age will help develop, foster, and improve what is perhaps one of the most important skills that contribute to success in life. We serve a God who is our Heavenly Father, who sees us so valuable. And we serve a God who does love, affirm, uplift, and value us. Even before the universe was created, God had you in mind and planned you for his divine purposes. Isaiah 44:2 "I am your creator you were in my care before you were born." John 1:12: "Those who received Christ and believed in his name, God gave the right to become his children." In Christ alone is where our self-worth is truly found. His plans and purposes for you far exceed and go way beyond what you could ever ask for, think of, or even imagine. Your gifts and calling in this life are irrevocable. What God started in your life, he will accomplish. Often, we base our self-worth on what we believe others may think or feel about us. God doesn't look and judge the way people do. We have all been guilty of wrongly judging others based solely on appearances etc. So many make the mistake of putting too much trust in physical senses rather than the spiritual ones. It is God alone that can read our hearts, minds, attitudes, and our motives. Samuel was reminded that God sees not as we see but God looks at and sees the Heart. Samuel was a prophet and son of Elkanah and Hannah born at Romathaim zophim in the hill country of Ephraim, which was located six miles or so north of Jerusalem. The name of the town means "the heights of the view." It was said that it also came to be his resting place. 1 Samuel 16: 1-13 The Lord said to Samuel, "How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as King over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be King." But Samuel said, "How can I go? If Saul hears about it, he will kill me." The Lord said, "Take a heifer with you and say, 'I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.' Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what to do. You are to anoint for me the one I indicate." Samuel did what the Lord said. When he arrived at Bethlehem, the elders of the town trembled when they met him. They asked, "Do you come in peace?" Samuel replied, "Yes in peace; I have come to sacrifice to the Lord. Consecrate yourselves and come to the sacrifice with me." Then he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice. When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, "Surely the Lord's anointed stands here before the Lord." But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." Then Jesse called Abinadab and had him pass in front of Samuel. But Samuel said, "The Lord has not chosen this one either." Jesse then had Shammah pass by, But Samuel said, "Nor has the Lord chosen this one." Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, " The Lord has not chosen these." He asked Jesse, "Are these all the sons you have?" "There is still the youngest," Jesse answered. "He is tending the sheep." Samuel said, "Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives." So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the Lord said, "Rise and anoint him; this is the one." So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David. God's ways are not our ways. When Samuel first saw Jesse's oldest son he thought surely its him. Not only did God reject him but he rejected everyone that was brought before him until David was brought before him. Acts 13:22, " I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart who will do my will." David had a heart after God, and God saw in young David what many people probably wouldn't see. Our value and self-worth is and never should be found in material things such as our financial worth, our outward beauty, body image, relationships, or stature. Nor should our value be found in an individual. So much of the world's desires, temptations and pleasures are all around us and can be very consuming at times. Our value is and should solely be rooted in Christ Jesus. In the Lord is where we truly find our whole worth. In Christ, we are made in his image and in Psalm 139:13-16 it reads: "For you formed my inward parts: you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works: my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance: in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. Luke 12:7 "And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows." In Ephesians 2:10, it reads "For we are God's handiwork." Other translations say that we are God's accomplishment, workmanship, or masterpiece. A masterpiece is considered to be a work done with extraordinary skill; especially: a supreme intellectual or artistic achievement. If our Heavenly Father sees us as valuable and calls us his masterpiece, how much more should we not only see our value and self-worth, but the value of others!!! KNOW YOUR WORTH !!!
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AuthorDebbie is a pastor's wife who loves sharing devotionals that are relevant and real. Archives
May 2022
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