 In recent times I find myself asking, “Do we have any
right to feel insignificant?” I began asking this question because of
this verse: “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the
presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." [Luke 15:
10]. As Christians we are happy and do rejoice when an unbeliever
receives Christ as their Saviour, for we understand that a soul has
been redeemed from death unto life and is now made a new creation. But
what gets to me is the fact that there is rejoicing in Heaven when
someone repents. Personally, there’s some happening that is outside the
scope of my understanding; some transaction has taken place that, even
though we know the benefits, it is more than our minds can bear.
This life is filled with ups and downs. We go through so many trials and persecutions. Some are faced with poverty; some are jeered by those who are comfortable; some have been abused sexually and physically; some are trying to make it through life with their illiteracy. Many people are depressed over the state of their very lives, wishing they were someone else. Many teen suffer from low self-esteem, especially when loved ones speak negatively of them. I can say that there are adversities that I go through that leads me to accept them as punishment that I deserve (especially when I know that I’ve sinned). At times I just feel worthless.
However, for me these feelings of low self-worth are short-lived. I am one who knows what Jesus has done for me and what He has given to me. If I am being chastised for sinning against God and man, it is because God loves me and considers me as His Child. [Hebrews 12: 6 – 8]. If I am being persecuted or tried, this is for my benefit, because I “…know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” [Romans 5: 3 – 5].
There are many things in this life that I do not understand, and there are some questions that I have to ask. But I will not allow my imperfections make me feel less than who I am. Job was a man of God; even God’s testified that he was a righteous man, but still Job was tested beyond what I believe I could bear. There is a quote which says, “Life is like therapy: Real expensive with no guarantees!” Life teaches hard lessons that could break us down, whether we deserve it or not. Our minds can come under constant attack and cause us to wonder if God even loves us.
But no matter what we go through, we have no right to feel insignificant. We might not be as bad as the next guy, but we are sinners; and we should remember that “God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” [Romans 5: 8]. We are worth more that we could ever imagine, because Heaven rejoices when we turn to Christ. I know that we might have been cheated by friends, family, strangers and life on a whole, but Christ died for us. That counts for more than this universe can afford.
Whatever you go through or are going through, you are loved by your Creator. If He thinks so much of you, what are you doing thinking that you are worth nothing?! He can comfort your soul and restore all that the devil has stolen. Do not allow life to cause you to think little of your worth; you are quite significant. Think big!
|
