Contrary To Popular Opinion - Leaning on the Promises of God for Men

Popular culture sends us a lot of messages about value and worth. In magazines, music, television shows, movies, sports, and any other form of entertainment, we are continually told that the respect we receive depends on the status we have—and that status is defined by wealth, style, or popular opinion.

We not only begin to evaluate ourselves that way, we evaluate others that way too. If they don’t work a certain kind of job, earn a certain level of income, dress a certain way, or have a lifestyle we envy, they probably aren’t successful. And if they aren’t successful, they aren’t significant or worthy of our attention.

But real significance isn’t defined by popular culture. In fact, culture often magnifies less significant things and minimizes truly significant things. We can spend our entire lives going down that path, trying to find true significance in things that can never give it to us.

The Bible tells us what true significance is, and it isn’t found in what we have, in the status we attain, or even in what we accomplish. It’s found in knowing God, living faithfully for Him, loving Him and others, and doing whatever He has called us to do—even if it doesn’t impress anyone else. It’s about our identity in Him, not our achievements and possessions.

We have worth not because of what we do and have but because we are His children and He chooses to love us. Our worth doesn’t depend on us; it’s based on how He values us. And He values us simply because He made us and we belong to Him.

His Promises

He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

Take delight in the LORD,

and he will give you your heart’s desires.