For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. (1 Peter 1:18–19 NIV)
As human beings, our perspective is limited to our time on earth. We’ve never experienced anything outside of that. It’s easy to measure our significance by the things we can accomplish in our lives. For many of us, we’re motivated by titles and promotions, we want to watch our bank accounts grow, and we want others to see us as successful. While it’s not bad to seek opportunities for advancement or to work hard to provide for our families and ourselves, those desires have the potential to make us think the value of our lives is measured by things that won’t even last.
God sees things through the lens of eternity. The things that matter most are not what we can accomplish or acquire during our time on earth; they’re the things that will last beyond our time here. Job titles, bank accounts, and accolades will vanish, but our faith lived out for the sake of others will make an impact well beyond the span of our lives. When Jesus died and was resurrected, he gave us a different measure of significance. Now, the value of our lives is not measured by the world’s standard for success. Instead, our lives flourish when we invest in what God says is most important.
Pray
Father, I thank you for being a God of eternal perspective. You see the beginning and end of my life and how every day in between fits together for a purpose. I confess I sometimes chase feelings of success and significance in places other than my relationship with you. Protect me from being drawn to an empty way of life and thinking I can find value in my work, my possessions, and what others think of me. Help me fix my focus on you and the value of my life that you determined when you gave your Son for me. Remind me often that the fullest life I can live is one that is rooted in you and points others to you.
