… you were bought at a price. … — 1 Corinthians 6:20 NIV
There is a voice inside us that says, "I’m not important. I don’t matter."
This cuts deep because we want to be important. We want to matter.
Why is that? Is it because we are selfish, self-centered, sinful, fallen human beings?
I don’t think so. I think God put it inside us. We need to matter. We need to be important. We need to have significance. Our lives need to have meaning. We are God’s children. We are created in God’s image. We are purchased by the blood of Jesus.
God and Jesus are not stupid. They don’t spend the blood of the Lamb to buy junk. They weren’t ripped off in this, the most important transaction that has ever taken place in all of eternity.
This is where the voice of the world and the voice of Father diverge: The world sends us starving to feed the swine, but the Father uses His voice to call for His own robe, His own ring, for the fatted calf. God doesn’t just tally us up on a spreadsheet and conclude that He made a profit. No! He throws a party!
Yes, there is a voice that says you are worthless. But there is a greater voice that says, "You matter to Me. Come on home; I have a party waiting for you."
Be encouraged!
Dwight
PS. Today Kim and I have been married 28 years. I want to thank those of you who have generously donated to Dwight Clough Ministries so that we might be able to share a trip to a conference on prayer the first few days of November. At this writing, we have raised about $1350 of the $2000 needed – so we are almost there.
Dwight Clough is the author of four Christian books and is an active member of Lake City Church in Madison. This devotional is also available via email and you may review the archives back to 2002. Dwight and his wife Kim provide prayer ministry for inner healing / transformation and coaching in prayer ministry. He is available to speak to your group or church. To contact Dwight or Kim, use their contact form. You may also support their ministry.