There are all types of people in the world—some who may seem more special or important than others. Maybe you're feeling like you're not one of the "special" ones because you don't feel you have anything important to offer. My friend, let me encourage you that, no matter how little value you believe you have, GOD believes you are of the utmost value.
No matter how the world views people, God values everyone the same. In God’s eyes, you are just as loved, valued, and useful as the most faithful, famous, talented, or attractive person in the world (Matthew 10:29-31). And His judgments and opinions are the only ones that matter! Also keep in mind that if anyone's life looks perfect, that's just how it appears from the outside looking in. Nobody has a perfect life free from worries or self-confidence issues. Let me repeat that...
Jesus came to earth to die for the sins of all people, and everyone who believes in Him will be saved from Hell and adopted into God’s forever family (John 3:16). The struggles and trials we go through due to the circumstances of our lives—our sins or the sins of others against us—can serve to grow us more and more into the likeness of Christ in our thoughts and actions (James 1:2-4; Romans 5:3-5).
It doesn’t matter what talents you have or don’t have. It doesn't matter if you're outgoing or shy. It doesn't matter if you've been a Christian for three months or three decades. God is only looking for hearts that are willing to serve Him with whatever they have to bring. You don’t have to be a straight-A student, a star performer, or have supermodel looks. Those things matter very little in light of eternity!
Ask God to show you how He can use you to bless others—even in very small ways, such as smiling at the person behind the counter, holding the door for the next person entering a building, or helping someone who has dropped something. You may also discover ways you can get involved in serving others at your church by asking your youth pastor or another church leader. At school, you can always find ways to be kind or helpful to your classmates and teachers.
Most of all, spend time reading and studying His Word, the Bible, and letting the Holy Spirit grow His fruit within your life—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
But just because a believer isn't well-known, that doesn't mean their impact wasn't felt by those around them. They DID have an impact—in so many little ways, maybe ways they didn't even realize themselves. And those small impacts can have a ripple effect that we couldn't possibly grasp on earth. One day, when we get to Heaven, we'll discover their full stories as well as find out all the ways we impacted others for Jesus without even knowing it.
Only a very small handful of Christians will ever be household names, but remember, just because their names are well-known, that doesn't make them any more special or valuable than you in God's eyes. Fame and historical notoriety, even as a follower of Christ, is not the path God has chosen for most of His children. Living a simple, quiet, godly life is nothing to be ashamed of or to regret!
I pray that you will come to know how deeply you are loved by our God, and that your life will be focused on Him, so that you won’t be bogged down in the comparison game. You are the only you on this planet—and God doesn’t make mistakes!
—Sarah R.
Sarah is a wife and mother whose favorite things (after Jesus, family, and friends) include books, languages, flowers, and travel. She is thankful for the opportunity to minister to people through the written word!
