Two-minute read.
“That’s what you have in common, God,” a friend said to me as I prepared to go on my first mission trip to El Salvador. Having never travelled to a third-world country, I had anxiety about the upcoming voyage. At the time, crime ran rampant in the city, and we needed police escorts everywhere we went, unable to leave our hotel alone. I fretted over what I had in common with the people we wanted to serve, my friend’s words calming my anxiety.
Her words brought peace to my heart, and that trip validated the truth of this scripture. Standing in the makeshift chapel, chickens watching from the plastic chairs along the walls, we sang praise and worship together with our new friends. The off-key leader sang with such joy, I couldn’t help but smile, our spirits connecting in worship.
Jesus told us we will always have the poor among us. As an American, even those with the least income still enjoy life far better than the poor in other countries. No matter our economic condition, the Lord created us. The Creator has a purpose for every individual, no matter how much money they possess. Material things pass away, including our riches, but eternal life with the Lord never ends.
Value doesn’t come from our bank accounts, but from the Cross. Jesus established our worth with His mission. Dying to give us an unbreakable bond with the Creator, our worth comes from the Lord. Identifying with the Savior gives you a firm foundation that nothing can shake.
The world consistently tries to find value in temporary things. One movement dwindles, and another begins, all leading nowhere. Only when we place our faith in Jesus do we discover life in abundance. False gods lead to dead ends. But life with Christ leads to an adventure we only experience when we trust Him, giving every ounce of our being to the Lord.
Journal Question:
Where do you find your worth?
In what ways does having faith in Christ connect you to others?
What determines your value?
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for creating us, rich or poor, and giving us purpose. Please help us fulfill our earthly mission as we seek You with our entire being.
IJNIP. Amen
