As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house (1 Peter 2:4–5).
I’ve met a lot of people who are desperately seeking affirmation, driven to gain the approval of others. It’s as if they are trying to balance the scales against all the negative input they have received in life. But in many cases, no amount of positive strokes can outweigh the heap of hurtful expressions that have led them to believe they are worthless. They could get a hundred compliments about how nice they look or what good work they do, but let one person offer a criticism, and they are devastated. Why? Because they are letting others determine their worth.
Jesus knew what it was to be “rejected by men”—the very ones He had created for Himself, those He loved and for whom He laid down His life. But their opinion was not what determined His value. What determined His worth was that in God’s sight He was “chosen and precious.” And when it comes down to it, that’s the only opinion that really matters!
It’s conceivable that someone who did not recognize or appreciate fine art could toss a masterpiece into the trash. But would that make the painting any less valuable? Not for a moment. Its true worth would be seen when an art collector spotted the painting and said, “That’s a priceless piece. I’m willing to pay any amount to acquire it.”
When God sent His only Son to earth to bear your sin and mine on the cross, He put a price tag on us, declaring the value of our soul to be greater than the value of the whole world. So whose opinion are you going to accept? His...or theirs?
Have you allowed the words and opinions of others to determine your value? What difference would it make if you were to truly accept the worth God places on your life?
