"Many who are first will be last, and the last first."—Matthew 19:30
A friend of mine who attended a class reunion vows he’ll never go to another. He says he felt terribly worthless and unsuccessful. Some former classmates were doctors, lawyers, or dentists. Others owned thriving businesses. A few held high offices in large corporations. Almost everybody talked about brilliant and athletic grandchildren.
My friend, on the other hand, holds an ordinary job. His grandchildren are not getting all A’s or excelling in athletics. I told him that his feeling of worthlessness stemmed from measuring his value by the wrong standards.
God doesn’t think more or less of us based on our job, our bank account, our home, or the academic success of our offspring. Our worth and dignity are rooted in the fact that God created us and that His Son died for us. What’s important to Him is our degree of trust and our service done for His sake.
Jesus said that those who follow Him, regardless of their earthly status, will be rewarded for their faith and commitment (Matt. 19:16-30). And when God gives out the rewards, there will be many surprises (v.30).
Lord, help us to measure our worth and that of others by Your standard, not ours.
Though sin deformed creation’s crown,
God says, “My child, do not despair,
For you alone are made like Me,
And in Christ’s death you fully share.”
NO ONE IS A FAILURE WHO SEEKS TO DO GOD'S WILL.
