Most of us who call Christ Lord would quickly
answer, “It is in what Christ did for me on the cross.” Or “I am a jewel in the
Lord’s heart.”
That is what I thought of myself until a few
simple words were uttered to me recently that shook my self-worth. They weren't meant to do so by the word-giver, but these simple words hit their mark in my
soul and my value – in my mind – took a step down. Why?
Did I not know what Christ feels about me? My
friends? Family? Of course I did. However, I still gave these innocent words
power to tear down years of labor in my “worth” garden. By allowing those simple,
innocent words power over me, I took my value out of Christ’s hands and put it
in another’s.
But they were just words!
The Bible tells us that life and death are in the
power of the tongue. Words have power to build or power to tear down. Words –
once absorbed – had power to send me into an emotional vacuum for about 72
yours.
Words don’t determine our worth. Jesus does.
Words don’t give us value. Jesus does.
Once I shook my emotional self by the scruff and
smoothed my fir, I was able to put my value back where it belonged; right under
Christ’s watchful gaze.
I have a saying posted at my desk; “He has no
ambition to make you normal. The more your identity is rooted in God’s value
for you, the less you are controlled and limited by what others think of you.” The Barbarian Way, Erwin McManus.
There’s the key. The Cross is not only our
foundation – it is the guidepost to our value. I momentarily rooted my significance
and identity in humanity’s words – not His.
Do you know what you are worth? Do you know your
value to the Lover of your soul? If not, press into his heart beat and His Word
because His Words bring life and
value.
