EVERYONE IS IMPORTANT – IN GOD’S EYES

BIBLE PASSAGE:
“But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise;
God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.”
(1 Corinthians 1:27)

MEDITATION:
The people God chooses to do His work are often plain, simple folks.
Look at the twelve men Jesus chose to be His disciples.
Fishermen, a tax collector, a “zealot” (a person who is fanatical and
uncompromising in pursuit of their religious, political, or other ideals).

What a motley crew!
But they ended up “turning the world upside down.”
Those who saw them said they were unlearned, ordinary men.
“When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were
unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and took note that these
men had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13).

Did you notice the last part of the verse just listed?
There was just something about these men
that made others realize they had been with Jesus.
What do people see in you that lets them know you have been with Jesus?
When others are around you, do they see the characteristics of Jesus,
or do they see someone with worldly characteristics?

Do they see someone who is loving, kind and concerned about others,
or do they see someone who is selfish, self-centered, with an
“It’s all about me” attitude, who is prideful and boasts about
what you own, and what you have done, and who you know?

Maybe you didn’t make the “Who’s Who”,
or even worse, you made the “Who’s Not!”.
That’s okay because God has a plan for you, and He knows what He is doing.

God expects His children to be kind and caring toward others.
The scriptures tell us that God HATES pride (arrogant pride),
and anything that He HATES should not be seen in His children.
“To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance,
evil behavior and perverse speech.” (Proverbs 8:13)

The scriptures also tell us how pride causes problems with relationships.
“Where there is strife, there is pride,
but wisdom is found in those who take advice.” (Proverbs 13:10)
We see from the previous verse how we can know if we have too much pride;
it’s when we feel like we have all the answers and do not listen to good advice.

Those with pride will be dealt with by God.
“Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor.” (Proverbs 29:23)

Pride can result in problems within the prideful person’s own family
(disappointments in members of our own family can be very humbling).
“I will punish the world for its evil, the wicked for their sins. I will put an
end to arrogance of the haughty and will humble the pride of the ruthless.”
(Isaiah 13:11)

Pride can cause devastating and lasting problems for the prideful person.
“But when his heart became arrogant and hardened with pride,
he was deposed from his royal throne and stripped of his glory.” (Daniel 5:20)
We don’t know how God will deal with pride in our lives,
but according to His Word, He will deal with it.

We may lose our job, have financial problems, have health issues,
or be devastated by the bad choices of family members.
We just need to be mindful that God does not like arrogant pride in His children.
His idea of success is totally different than the world’s idea of success.
Wealth, fame, acclaim – none of these are necessary for you to be used of God.

ACTION:
As a child of God, be kind and caring to others.
Be ready to share with those who are down and feel like they
are not worth much, that they are VERY important in God’s eyes.
God expects His children to build up others and not ourselves.

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, forgive me for living in a manner that does not
please You. Forgive me for any habits and attitudes in my life that
You hate. Remind me that as a child of Yours, I can be used by You,
because You have a plan for each member of Your family. Help me
to discover how You want me to fulfill the plans You have specifically
for me. Create in me a heart to see others saved and become a part of
Your family. Teach me how to encourage others to realize that they
too are important to You.”

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