I’m often amazed at the seemingly insignificant events that cause long term and deep emotional pain to people. A common one is what someone’s parents treated as more important than them.
Parents take note: the holidays, the money, the friends or parties, the toys, the job you have time for but not your child…it is causing incredible damage.
So what was it that communicated your value? Or, what was it that communicated a lack of value to you?
“What is the event or thing that communicated the most value to you?”
For myself, my biological father leaving when I was born had a huge impact. I inwardly believed that I was worthless. Not worth staying around for, being there for or, even showing up for. Of course I never realised this consciously, but it did affect many – no scrub that, most – of my human interactions.
It was twenty two years ago that I first experienced something that reversed a lifetime of pain, insecurity and bad choices…
But today, 22+ years later it still has an impact. What could be so powerful?
Something that has not and does not change. Something that is not affected by anybodies actions past present or future. It is the most transforming thing in the universe, stemming from the most powerful event in all of time.
How many powerful (and strange!) things you can identify in this 2 paragraphs:
Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.
God has now revealed to us his mysterious plan regarding Christ, a plan to fulfill his own good pleasure. And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth.Ephesians 1:4-10
We 1if you are a Christian have been purchased by the blood of Jesus. Now all blood is incredible, life giving, repairing and healing. But the blood of Jesus? That is a whole seperate thing!
The most valuable (and powerful) substance on the planet, the blood of the very Son of God, was shed willingly for you!
Jesus was tortured and killed to pay the price for your sin. God wanted this to happen because of His love for you! That is your true value. Not what your parents did or didn’t do. Not what your uncles or teachers did or said. No matter how any humans have failed you: your value is far, far greater!
The infinitely powerful Creator got pleasure from forgiving you! He looks at you with a deep, unconditional love…as if your were His most important work of art – because you are!
God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Ephesians 2:8-10 (NLT)
The truth is, if you are in Christ, if you have responded to His offer of Life, God is looking at you with an unbelievable depth of love and care and enjoyment. He is excited to see you and longs to spend time with you.
You have incredible worth…all because He lives!
Lord, please confirm the truth to our hearts: that we are incredibly valuable. Help us to relax in Your love and respond to You by coming to You.
Footnotes:
- 1if you are a Christian