Yesterday for school, my daughter had to draft a brief essay about the difference between how the world views us and how God does. We had some discussion before she started writing as I helped her think through her structure and posed some thought-provoking questions:
How does the world try to define us?
What does God say about us in His Word?
Which one provides my actual value?
Of course, God kept speaking to me on this topic--through emails, podcasts, Facebook posts, and at least a dozen other ways as the day continued--which compelled me to jot down a few things He revealed.
The best the world can do is come up with measurable or visible systems for standards and benchmarks. The number on the scale labels us fat or underweight. Board exams tell how intelligent we are and whether we can be called an “expert” on a topic. Our title at work offers us respect and reputation. How much we make at our job determines our social status and what we can afford.
None of these standards, or the millions of others we subject ourselves to on the daily, are without outliers or exceptions. Additionally, the world’s standards are ever-changing. If your aim in life is to remain in everyone’s good graces, get ready for head-spinning shifts in what to do or not do.
We are fallen people. Those who determine what is cool one day and “out” the next are flawed human beings using broken systems that mean nothing beyond the confines of this planet. Many of them have no bearing outside this country!
In His Word, God says that we are:
“fearfully and wonderfully made” – Psalm 139:14
“a new creation” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
“the work of His hands” – Isaiah 29:23
“heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ” – Romans 8:17
“Children of God” – 1 John 3:1
“beloved children” – Ephesians 5:1
“rejoiced over with gladness” – Zephaniah 3:17
And He continues to show us throughout scripture, in both words and actions, how He cares for us, loves us, and made the greatest sacrifice on our behalf.
When the God of the universe loves me so much and sees nothing but His perfect Son when looking in my direction, why should I care about the simple-minded, limited, flawed way the world perceives me? In an eternal perspective my BMI, executive board membership, and high school GPA have no bearing.
Why do I give society’s empty labels any merit?!?!?
So, are worldly benchmarks and goals unworthy of pursuit? Not necessarily. Some are put in place to keep us healthy and safe. But when we put all our stock in these achievements or moving targets of fame and popularity, we often miss the opportunity to highlight what God has done in our lives. We are so focused on the doing, the striving, and the “arriving” we miss out on the journey with the One who allowed us to get there in the first place. We don’t take time to acknowledge Him or to share the mercy, glory, and grace of God that made it possible.
God grants His peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7) to everyone who seeks Him with all their heart. I’ve been able to experience this abundant peace as I’ve released the world’s labels on my life and found true rest in my identity in Christ. While it feels good to reach a worldly benchmark, I always aim to filter it through an eternal perspective. For me it starts by knowing, and continually reminding myself, that without God in my life, I can do nothing. When something extraordinary (by the world’s standards) happens in my life, I try to take a posture of humility as I thank the Lord for allowing it, and shine the spotlight on His glory—letting others know it was only possible through the presence of Jesus Christ in my life.