Our world is a sea of people.  I often wonder where I fit in, in that massive expanse.  Little old me, is like a speck on the radar.  Sure, there’s a heartbeat and blood flows through my veins, but it’s hard to consider how I stack up in comparison to all those other specks.  We all seem to have inherited the desire to be noticed or be better.

We push through life with hopes and dreams, which may become shattered and bruised.  Those goals we set, get trampled on by life and leave us breathless, hopeless, downtrodden and lost.  Each hit brings another contusion – another slap in the face – another defeat.  Still each of those bumps also bring growth, perception and discernment for the future.

In our civilization, it’s not the meek that gain success. It’s the powerful, the beautiful, the rich and the famous.  The quiet ones go unnoticed.  The underdog rarely hits the mark.  The poverty stricken may remain that way until death.   However, Jesus gave a very different picture of what success means.

In speaking of those that the world views as winners, Jesus noted they will have a hard time reaping the benefits of heaven.  To God, it doesn’t matter if you’re rich or famous.  He cares not about your appearance or outward pizazz.  He turns the other way when He sees those trying to buy their way into heaven.  His love is unconditional and yet He does demand our allegiance.

He gave the greatest sacrifice to pay for our souls.  As His own flesh and blood were laid on the altar of the cross, Jesus paid the ransom for all mankind.  Even the repentant thief that was crucified with Him was assured of eternal life in paradise.  Our value is not measured by what WE accomplish, but by what God has completed for us.

As we start another new week, keep that at the forefront of all you do.  Remember how valuable you are to the Creator of the entire universe.  With Him in your life, you can move mountains.

“Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in.  Aim at earth and you will get neither.”  C.S. Lewis