How do you measure significance? How do you calculate the true value someone or something has in your life?
It’s simple.
True significance is measured by how you respond when the person or thing is lost.
Think about it. When your sock is lost, more than likely there is a very small search effort that occurs. You might dig through the drawer, look through the dirty clothes hamper, and even check the dryer. But that’s it. A single sock does not carry enough significance or value to go on an all-out search-and-rescue mission.
Small search = little significance.
However, what if you lost your wedding ring? I imagine the search for a valuable wedding ring would far exceed a search for a sock. A wedding ring has sentimental and monetary value. Therefore, its value increases the degree of the search and reveals the degree of its significance. In your search, you would ask others to join in your hunt, and the search wouldn’t end until you found the ring.
Big search = major significance.
Here’s the point. True significance can be measured by the scope of the search.
True significance can be measured by the scope of the search. Click To TweetThis statement is true if you’ve lost a remote, shoe, wallet, pet, job, or an heirloom. The greater value something has, the greater effort you’ll put forth to find it when it’s lost.
Did you know the mission of Jesus reveals something about our significance to God?
The Mission of Jesus
Jesus wasn’t on a secret mission. He tells us plainly what He’s doing here on the earth.
“For the Son of man has come to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:10
The mission of Jesus is an all-out search-and-rescue mission. Jesus came to seek and to save; to search and to rescue.
Luke 15 is one of my favorite chapters in all of Scripture because it perfectly illustrates (three times!) the beauty of God’s relentless pursuit.
The parable of the lost sheep (Luke 15:1-7) portrays how Jesus would leave the ninety-nine to pursue the one. The parable of the lost coin (Luke 15:8-10) shows how Jesus pursues until the one is found. The parable of the lost son (Luke 15:11-32) reminds us that no matter how far we’ve strayed, the Father is waiting with open arms for us to return home.
In each pursuit, the item is found. In each pursuit a celebration ensues.
The Measure of Significance
If true significance is measured by the scope of the search, then you can be confident of this today. God’s pursuit of us reveals our significance to Him.
God's pursuit of us reveals our significance to Him. Click To TweetYou matter to God. You are valued greatly and loved deeply. Seriously!!
- You were created in His image. (Genesis 1:27)
- You are uniquely designed. (Psalm 139:14)
- You have been given supernatural purpose. (Jeremiah 29:11)
- You are divinely empowered. (Acts 1:8)
- You are richly blessed. (Ephesians 1:3)
God cares so much for you that while you were still a sinner, Jesus died for you (Romans 5:8).
Jesus doesn’t pursue the people who have their lives all together. He doesn’t pursue the one who is good. He pursues the one who is lost. Why would He do that? Because you matter to God!
Live today knowing your value to God.
For more insight on your significance, check out this blog from Pastor Stephen: The Real Reason People Matter.