“You are the salt of the earth…You are the light of the world…
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good deeds
and praise your Father in heaven.”
(Matthew 5:13-16)
Our Arizona Cardinals are going to the Super Bowl this year, and we’re all very excited. But, how significant is the Super Bowl, really? How many people will remember who won this year’s Super Bowl 10 years from now? How will this year’s Super Bowl impact our world? What difference will it make in all of eternity?
Isn’t it amazing what the world considers to be significant? Don’t misunderstand me; I’m a big sports fan. But, the world tells us our significance is based on our intellect, our beauty, our abilities, or our accomplishments. If that’s the case, then I’m a nobody. Fortunately, that’s not how God views us. As a child of God, I am important, and I have a significant place in His Kingdom. That’s true of you, too. Just take a look at how significant God says you and I are…
ü I am the salt of the earth. (Matthew 5:13)
ü I am the light of the world (Matthew 5:14)
ü I am a branch of the true vine, a channel of His life. (John 15:1-5)
ü I am a personal witness of Jesus Christ. (Acts 1:8 )
ü I am God’s temple. (I Corinthians 3:16)
ü I am a minister of reconciliation. (II Corinthians 5:17)
ü I am God’s ambassador to the world. (II Corinthians 5:20)
ü I am God’s co-worker. (II Corinthians 6:1)
ü I am God’s workmanship. (Ephesians 2:10)
ü I may approach God with freedom and confidence. (Ephesians 3:12)
ü I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13) *
You and I are important. We are very significant. We are conduits of God’s love and grace in this world. May God’s light and love shine brightly through each of us.
“Heavenly Father, I am privileged to be your child.
Help me to see the reality of life from Your perspective, rather than the world’s.
I know that my identity and significance are sourced in Jesus Christ.
May His light shine brightly in this world through my life.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
January 23, 2009 at 2:35 pm |
This is a continuation of the previous posts; Is what we look like really important? Is what we have really important? What is really significant? And, you are right, the world does place significance on our intellect, beauty, accomplishments and abilities. Maybe that’s where some of us get hung up sometimes, because we do want to make a difference. We do want to weigh less. But is that wrong? In my opinion, if your heart is in the right place and God is the center of what you do, then that’s all that matters.
January 26, 2009 at 7:15 pm |
Isn’t this interesting, comparing the Cardinals to some “Churches”. The Cardinals have been laughed at in the NFL for years. Then along comes coach “Wiz”, with his statement “We do this together”.
How many churches go through numerous pastors, all with Godly intentions, but because the people don’t buy into the change that’s necessary to turn a dying church around, the church continues to die. Maybe taking some advice from coach “Wiz” may not be a bad thing. Get people to believe that they are the one’s responsible for changing a churches role in the community.
Winning culture depends a lot on winning, it makes people willing to work even harder. It shows that effort leads to reward, but how do we implement this in churches today? Bench an under performing deacon? Have pep rallies? Pray specifically for what the church needs? If you have the answers, you can probably write another book, “The NFL Driven Church”.