Recently, I read a psychology magazine article about how perfectionism and high-stakes culture of success push our society into measuring its worth by what can be seen, achieved, and compared to others. We live in a culture obsessed with visible results, where terms such as flexing and bragging rights get thrown about.
But Paul’s opening prayer in his letter to the church at Colossae, reminds us that God sees our worth differently. Even though Paul had never met these Christians, yet he rejoices because he has heard of their faith in Christ Jesus and the love they have for all God’s people (Col 1:3-5). Their faith is not loud, flashy, or even Instagrammable, but it is bearing fruit quietly and steadily, which shows that God is at work in their midst (Col 1:6).
The Christian life is not about performance—whether in or outside the church—but about transformation. Paul desires for believers to be filled with the knowledge of God’s will and to live a life worth of the Lord (Col 1:9-10). He wants us to know that as followers of Jesus our worth does not rest on how much we accomplish, but on what God is accomplishing within us.
God is always at work in the lives of His children. We may not see His work because the nature of His kingdom is like seeds under the soil (Luk 13:18-19). His work often happens unseen, but it is never wasted.
Reflection:
- How can I rest in God’s quiet yet steady work in my life and workplace today?
- Where am I tempted to measure my worth by visible outcomes rather than Christ-like spiritual fruit in my life?
This devotion is sent weekly to staff during school terms. It has been lightly edited for a general audience.
Leave a Reply