Are you worthless?

A nagging thought sometimes forms at the edge of consciousness: "Jerry, are you growing obsolete? Are your ideas and skills of value in a world that re-invents itself every couple of years?" It’s a Self thing, and I repent when I let it take over. Still, I know that I am not unique in that temptation. Feeling undervalued, overlooked, or useless is a problem I hear about often from those with whom I counsel. Young mothers can feel useless when their life becomes consumed with mini-vans, diapers, and runny noses. People who live with chronic illness often feel useless. The aged sometimes feel forgotten. Those who can’t 'fit in' at their church, school, or place of work because of social awkwardness often feel rejected and worthless. Those feelings are not just imagined, are they? Ours is a world that is very clear in marking who is 'in' and who is 'out!'

Fact! We don't have to be young, smart, thin, chic, healthy, or rich, to be useful to our Lord or valuable in this world. Do you think you must lead a group, sing a song, write a poem, or inspire thousands to be valued in the Kingdom of God? It true that some disciples occupy more prominent positions than others. Some remain hidden away even as they are given critically important assignments. Tragically, too often we crave recognition more than calling! In our culture of celebrity, being known is the prize most valued by many, but does a thousand voices yelling our name mean we have true value? Not in God’s economy.

Give Jesus Christ control of your life and invite the Spirit to clean away the dirt of sin and Self. Then, you will be God’s own treasure! The Words says: "In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work." (2 Timothy 2:20-22, NLT)

It is important to remember that the Lord equips each of us with spiritual gifts and calls us to serve. His purpose, however, is to build His Kingdom, not to make us famous or to build up our self-esteem. The paradox about being content is this: when we forget ourselves, set aside pride, and serve for His glory; the by-product is fulfillment. If you chase happiness, it will probably always be just out of reach. If you pursue faithfulness to the call of God, satisfaction will find you.

__________________

A vessel of honor for God,
A vessel of honor for God.
Sanctified, wholly, so I might be,
A vessel of honor for God.

Vessel of Honor

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Denny Duron
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