Growing in HopeSample

Your Value to God

In Ephesians 1:18 that Paul calls followers of Jesus “saints”? A saint is someone who is pure, perfect, holy, and blameless. Have you ever thought of yourself as a saint? Probably not, because you are a sinful person like everyone else. None of us are saints because we are perfect. Rather, we are considered saints because of what Jesus did for us. When you were saved by Jesus, you went from being a sinner to a saint. 

You are not a saint because of what you do. You are considered by God to be a saint because of what Jesus did in and for you.  This does not mean you are perfect; you still have evil thoughts and sin. But over time, you will begin to see a change. You will have stronger desires for things that are pure and pleasing to God, and will be better able to say no to sin. As a saint, you should begin to love God more and sin less. You will begin to love others more and yourself less. 

Paul prayed that we will know, “what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints.” This is important to note: Paul is NOT talking about OUR inheritance; He is talking about GOD’Sinheritance. Paul is saying when we die, as a follower of Christ, we are God’s inheritance.  When thinking of an inheritance, we think of someone dying and leaving something of value to us. An inheritance has value. We are of great value to God!

Paul’s message here is that God values us. If you are unsure how much God values you, think back to Jesus. You are so valued by God that He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for you. You are very valuable to God. Do you know anyone else who would sacrifice their only child for you? That is how much God loves and values you!

Prayer:
Father, I ask that You will enlighten the eyes of my heart and give me a spirit of wisdom and revelation. I want to know the hope of Your calling, and I want to know You more. In Jesus’ name, Amen.