When we look at the vast number of of stars in the sky and read scientific reports that numberless galaxies and solar systems exist capable of sustaining earths like our own, we wonder and question what our place is among God’s creations. The Apostle Paul stated that God, by His son, “made the worlds” (Hebrews 1:2). It is easy to feel insignificant because we mortals have difficulty wrapping our minds around the idea that, with so many earths and with so many people, our Heavenly Father could have time to care for and to love each one of us.
On a smaller scale, as people take their turns on this earth, many find themselves battling feelings of inferiority and low self-esteem. It begins with criticism at home. Then people work their way through elementary, high school, and post high-school education constantly being evaluated by one test or another. Because tests favor the proficient and are based on comparisons, most students are reminded over and over again that they are not good enough.
In the critical years of youth and young adulthood, most feel they are lacking. They are not good looking enough, don’t wear the right clothes, don’t come from the right homes, don’t have a nice car or any car at all, don’t have positions of leadership, don’t run with the popular crowd, are not athletic and do not achieve academically. Horrors if any have a weight problem, learning disability or are cursed with acne.
To feel valued and significant, many look for ways they can be recognized by others. They want to feel successful at something, to be number one at anything and to receive visible rewards to validate their worth. Some listen to motivational speeches that inspire them to work harder, to achieve more, to always be the best and to distinguish themselves above all others. To reach the top, they think they have to be talented, beautiful, rich, powerful and famous. Some are willing to sacrifice marriage, children, friends and their integrity in order to achieve worldly goals.
But stop! Wait! Think! The trouble with this pursuit of excellence is that too often people are striving to selfishly satisfy their egos. They are obsessed with seeking the approval of others, forgetting that others are not their final judges. These obsessions undermine their relationship with God--who, they may think, obviously is busy somewhere else, maybe in another galaxy. They ask, “How can He care about me?”
To overcome feeling insignificant, people need to better understand their relationship with their Heavenly Father. We are children of a loving God and we are important to Him. God has the unlimited capacity to care, know, understand and love all of His children, regardless of how many children He has. We are happiest and know our worth best when we are doing what He would have us do. He has given us commandments that clearly mark the way to happiness in this life and the next. Those who are obedient are favored.
Our ultimate choices in life are not between being rich or poor or between being high or low achievements or between fame or obscurity. Our important choices are simply between right and wrong.
Every soul is valued and important. All are capable of being exalted regardless of any learning disabilities or mortal defects or handicaps. All, especially those who feel inferior and suffer with low esteem, are invited to come unto Jesus and be perfected in Him. No one is more likely to succeed spiritually if they are wealthy, lovely, educated or have prominent positions in this life than if they are poor, plain, uneducated and unsung.
Earl Nightingale, a famous motivational speaker in the 1950s, gave the definition of success as “the progressive realization of a worthy ideal.” When Christ gave the command to be perfect (Matthew 5:48), He invited us all to get on the path of righteousness that eventually leads His followers to become like Him. Is there any more worthy ideal?
So, do people have to be super smart, be high achievers, be highly visible or be wildly successful at something to get God’s attention? No, the blessings of heaven are for all those who are meek and lowly in heart. In paradise, there is no spirit of competition or thinking of one person as better than another. Every soul is precious. All are significant and highly esteemed by the Lord.
Dr. Coombs is a professional marriage, family and individual counselor. Call 435-272-4292 or email to dmcoombs@gmail.com or visit drcoombsmarriageandfamily.
David and Marva Coombs
dmcoombs@gmail.com
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