God's Masterpiece

Mental Health Monday - Monday, July 20, 2020

“You are God’s masterpiece, created anew in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for you to do” (Ephesians 2:10).
​
Too many people struggle with self-worth issues because they count on the wrong things to bring their life meaning. We often introduce ‘successful’ people by including their name and occupation, as though the work that they do is what makes them important: “I’d like to introduce you to ‘Jane Doe.’ She is a doctor / lawyer / teacher / CEO”; rarely will you hear an introduction like, “I’d like to introduce you to ‘John Smith.’ He’s a cashier / dishwasher / store clerk / unemployed. Or if it’s not their job, we are often quick to share someone’s accomplishments or connections as though that automatically validates why we should be interested in their story–wars fought, membership in a sports teams, medals won, academic achievement, family connections, wealth, and on and on we go. But none of those truly provide an individual with lasting self-worth.

When illness or accidents cause people to become unable to work, are they suddenly less important? Is a senior’s worth only in what they were able to accomplish in their younger years. Does a child’s intrinsic value lay in their potential only. No! Our value lies in the fact that God created us...in His image...for relationship...and even when we messed up, chose to pay the penalty to be able to restore us. Do you doubt this truth? Let me share a number of quotes from the Bible that tell us of our value in God’s eyes:
__________________________________
(Retrieved on 07/20/20 from https://www.amazingfacts.org/…/10-bible-verses-that-show-yo… .)
This world sometimes leaves us feeling kicked, empty, and wondering if it’s all worth it—or if we are worth it. But God leaves no doubt of the tremendous value He places on every human life, including yours. Read His promises ...

1. “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them” (Genesis 1:27). Your value begins with the fact that you are made by the hand of the Creator in His very image.
2. “Can a woman forget her nursing child, and not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, yet I will not forget you” (Isaiah 49:15). Even if you are forsaken by family and friends, you are always cherished in the heart of God.
3. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11). God’s thoughts toward you are wonderful, and He has great plans for your life!
4. “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you” (Jeremiah 31:3). His love for you is relentless, immeasurable, and infinite.
5. “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). The Creator of life loves you so intensely that He allowed His own Son to die in your place before you ever repented.
6. “Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold … but with the precious blood of Christ” (1 Peter 1:18, 19). God was willing to pay the highest price in the universe to redeem you—the blood of His dear Son.
7. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). If you belong to Jesus, you have a brand new, sparkling-clean life in Him.
8. “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1). God actually considers you His very own precious child.
9. “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ … that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:4–7). Your heavenly Father has planned a magnificent, never-ending future for you.
10. “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us” (2 Corinthians 5:20). God has given you a high calling as an ambassador to share His great love with others.

You belong to God, and as long as you cling to Him, no one can take that from you. His Word overwhelmingly confirms that you are His cherished treasure!
__________________________
These are not only wonderful promises for those of us who believe in Jesus , but these truths also provide hope for anyone who does not know God. You can...know God...be changed...live a life of true freedom...live with purpose...know how loved you are!
~ Pastor Jane