Because He is the Good Shepherd, I am valued.
“‘I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.'” John 10:11 (NIV)
Your value is not determined by your portfolio. Your value is not determined by your performance. Your value is not determined by your personality. Your value is determined by what God has done on your behalf. Before you could do anything with God or for God, in His mercy and grace, God decided what to do with you and for you.
“‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.'” Jer 1:5 (NIV)
Your value was established before you were born. Then, God provided a tangible demonstration and validation of your value when He became man.
- “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 (NIV)
- “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 (NIV)
- “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Cor 5:21 (NIV)
Is the Lord your shepherd? Have you allowed Him to be the shepherd and overseer of your soul? Now think about your value in God’s economy. You are the apple of God’s eye. You are His treasure. Look around! Do you see other people in your weekly routine? Guess what? God values them, too.
Pursuing God,
Stephen Trammell
Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care