Received, not achieved

Our society values achievement. That’s one of the reasons we have things like trophies, ribbons, A-pluses, and year-end bonuses. 

If we’re not careful we can start to think that our value is connected to our achievements. “I’m only truly valuable if others recognize me, or if I have a lot of money, or if I have an impressive job, or if someone tells me I’m intelligent…”

But in Christ your value is received, not achieved.

God gives it to you.

First, you are created in his image. In Canada a ten dollar bill bears the image of Viola Desmond. You and I bear the image of our skillful Creator and Saviour.

Second, you are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14).

That is always true. No matter what. It’s true whether you’re ten or one hundred and ten; whether you’re “attractive” or if you can’t remember the last time someone paid you a compliment; whether you have a nice house or live in what your cousin calls a “dump”; whether you go to sleep with a clean conscience or if you have a criminal record and an invisible tonne of regret.

When I was in elementary school my grandma made me a T-shirt: “I know I’m somebody, ‘cuz God don’t make no junk.” I even wore it to school! (And no, I didn’t get beat up for wearing it.) 

Am I a sinner? Yes. Are you? Yes.

Do I make mistakes? Yes. Do you? Yes.

But your value isn’t in doubt.

You are created in the image of God. You are fearfully and wonderfully made.

Our world will try to take a lot of things from you. Your sense of value shouldn’t be one of them. 

Your value is received, not achieved. 

Be at peace. 

Notes:

–“Fearfully and wonderfully made.” Sermon. July 16, 2023. Click here.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.