(Begin with 1-2 minutes of silence)
The temptation to live as a consumer is strong. You may see or hear somebody sing, play a musical instrument, lead their business, play a sport, or do any other number of things really well and think to yourself, I’ll never be able to do what that person does. As time passes by, you may even start to think, What I am able to do isn’t very important. I don’t have much of anything to offer.
In the short-term, thoughts such as these may not appear to have too great of an impact on your life or the lives of those around you. But over time, this way of thinking can lead to deep depression. Worst case, it can even lead to feelings of shame and worthlessness.
Those who have chosen to follow the path of Jesus must recognize that thoughts such as these do not come from God. He does not say, You have nothing to contribute. Instead, He says, You are a member of My family. I have adopted you as My own. I have provided you gifts of grace to benefit others within My family. What you have to offer is significant in My eyes. You are not to live solely as a consumer of what others produce for you. You have something significant to contribute.
READING & PRAYERS:
1 CORINTHIANS 12:12-27, LUKE 24:1-4 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)
QUESTION: Do you struggle to recognize that what you have to offer is something significant in the eyes of God? If so, why do you think that is?
DIGGING DEEPER: What gifts of grace are you able to offer to those you will interact with today?
Take a Step: Practice listening to God by utilizing the One Minute Pause app at least twice a day.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I recognize that while there are times I feel like I have something of worth to contribute, there are other times when I feel unworthy or insignificant; like I have nothing good to offer. Thank You for the reminder today that my worth or value is not based on standards of this world, but that You see who I am and what I can offer as something significant. Despite there being nearly 8 billion people in the world, You still made me! May I remember how special and precious I am in Your eyes. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
(End with 1-2 minutes of silence.)
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