“Are not two sparrows
sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the
will of your Father. ..So don’t be afraid, you are worth more than many
sparrows.” Matthew 10:29,31
Sparrows are a pretty insignificant bird. I’m going to guess
that many of us couldn’t pick them out of a bird line-up. Cardinal, sure. Blue
Jay, no problem. Hummingbird, definitely. I mean come on, there are some birds
that conjure up images of beauty, color, or even cuteness. But a sparrow? No
clue.
Having looked it up, I can tell you they are a small brown bird, and
unless they’ve built a nest in your eaves, you most likely walk by them without
a second glance.
Can’t we feel the same way about ourselves? While others
stand out and shine, we blend into the backdrop. No extra color, no defining
qualities…just us. Nothing special. Except that’s not how God views us—because
he does view us, see us. And not only does he see us, but he values us.
It’s all in today’s verse. God didn’t pick the flashy bird
to compare us to, he picked the ordinary. I think that’s because God is all
about using the ordinary. He’s all about taking what man deems worthless
and filling it with his worth. Man might not have seen the inherent value in
those penny creatures, but God watched every movement they made—and he compared
us to them. Which means that, much like the old hymn says, his eye is on the
sparrow and he watches over you too. And why?
Because you are worth so very much more. You are his prize
creation, not to be left out or overlooked.
Lord, help us to
remember our worth in you. Others around may seem more flashy and at times we
may feel like we’re simply fading into the background of life, but you see us.
And you find us more valuable than anything else you created. Show us in
tangible ways that worth today. In Your name we pray, amen.
Keep your eyes open to those around you today, and ask God
to point out someone who needs to know their worth. Find a way to encourage
them today. A smile. A kind word. A note. Whatever it is, remind them they are
seen and valued by God.
I'm late today, but tomorrow I'll keep this in mind. Thanks for the challenge. I had a college professor who would walk around our lab, smile and nod and say, "You're doing a fine job." I try to be like him at work. After all of these years, I still remember how encouraging he was.
ReplyDeleteLove how such small things can make such huge impacts, and encouragement--no matter how small--always does!
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