Within each of us is the potential for great good or great evil. The only thing that seems to determine how that may play out in our lives are some of the influences and opportunities we have to lead us down one path or another. Just watch a 2 year old for a few minutes and this may become quite obvious. Every child born defenseless and dependent on others has the potential to do great things, no matter how long or short that life is. Did George Washington, Mother Teresa, Hitler, or any one of us fully realize how our lives would play out when we were a toddler, or did that become more and more clear as we learned who we were?
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
When you were young, did anyone ever see something developing within you that you did not even realize yourself? Whether it was a parent, a teacher, a coach, a pastor, or someone else who knew you enough to call out a particular strength that they saw developing in you. They encouraged you to be all that you can be, and called out a particular talent or skill within you that they saw the potential to become something good. When we are young, the words from a peer or an adult we respect can be very significant in the development of our value and self-confidence, either in a positive or negative manner. Can you recall the words someone said to you years or decades ago that seem as if they were just yesterday?
For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will. Ephesians 1:4-5
Isn’t this the true nature of God…To redeem what was once worthless and make it into something valuable? How often do we let discouragement and lies lead us to believe that we are not worth the price God paid for us? Once you have been redeemed with Christ’s blood, know that you are worth more than you will ever realize or fully understand. When you realize this value, both in yourself and others, it is much easier to live out the potential you have within you and to encourage others to do the same.
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20
Throughout scripture, we are reminded of our inherent worth as humans born in the image of God, and the value he placed on a people damaged by sin, enough to send his Son into a broken world to redeem us. When we realize, or even partially realize how precious we are to God because of the price he paid for us, we should be encouraged by the Spirit to live up to and to live out our full potential. Granted, we may never live up to our own expectations, but if we are striving in the right direction, we will still have opportunities to fully realize much more of the potential God has given to us than we could have ever imagined as we live for Him.
So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Matthew 10:31
Strength and Courage in Christ,
Clark
