Sermon Series Blog: Encounter Pt.3
Discovering Your True Worth
This past week, I’ve been reflecting on the idea of worth. Too often, the world tells us our worth is defined by external factors—our looks, achievements, possessions, or relationships. For many, worth comes from feeling noticed, loved, or desired. But here's the catch: this kind of happiness is fleeting. It’s like a sugar rush—intense and satisfying in the moment but gone before you know it.
I remember the joy I felt playing basketball in a packed gym. The roar of the crowd after sinking a three-pointer made me feel unstoppable. But that feeling didn’t last. And for others, it might come from flaunting a Gucci purse, a shiny new car, or a booming social media following. The question is: where do you find your worth?
Some of us wrestle with deep insecurities. If you were to rank yourself on a worth scale from 1 to 5, where would you land? Maybe a 1? Or maybe even a 0? You see someone attractive and think, “Why would they even notice me?” Or you hesitate to apply for that dream job because you assume you’re not good enough. Sound familiar?
The world has answers for these struggles, but they’re often incomplete. The world says your worth depends on your productivity, your hustle, and whether you meet certain standards. But these standards are conditional and lead to a vicious cycle of comparison, insecurity, and the need for constant validation.
Here’s the truth: God’s standards are different.
Understanding Your Divine Worth
In Luke 15:1-7, Jesus tells the parable of the lost sheep:
"Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’"
This parable is a beautiful reminder of how much God values each of us. Out of a hundred sheep, the shepherd leaves the ninety-nine to find the one that is lost. That’s how much you matter to Him. You’re not just another face in the crowd—you’re cherished and irreplaceable.
When the shepherd finds the lost sheep, he doesn’t scold it or punish it. Instead, he joyfully carries it back on his shoulders and throws a celebration. That’s the heart of our God. He sees you, loves you, and rejoices over you.
A Worth That Transforms
The world’s view of worth is conditional, but God’s view is unconditional. Whether you feel like a success or a failure, whether you’re filled with confidence or struggling with self-doubt, your worth comes from one unchanging truth: you are a beloved creation of God.
My wife, Liana, taught me this lesson early in our marriage. She saw my worth before I fully understood it. She saw God’s purpose for my life when I couldn’t. Growing up, Liana always said she’d never marry someone in ministry. She knew firsthand the challenges and heartbreak that come with it. But God had other plans. He brought her into my life to walk with me and remind me of my divine worth.
God doesn’t measure our worth by worldly standards. He calls us His children and assures us of our value in Him. He sees our potential and our purpose—even when we don’t.
From Saul to Paul: A Story of Grace
If you ever doubt whether God can use someone like you, look at the story of Saul, later known as Paul, in Acts 9. Saul was a man who actively persecuted Christians. He imprisoned them, approved their deaths, and sought to destroy the early church. Yet, God had other plans.
On the road to Damascus, Saul had a life-changing encounter with Jesus. A brilliant light surrounded him, and he heard Jesus say, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” Blinded and shaken, Saul fasted and prayed for three days. God then sent Ananias, a disciple, to heal him and restore his sight. Despite his initial hesitation—knowing Saul’s reputation—Ananias obeyed God. Saul’s encounter with Jesus transformed him into one of the most influential followers of Christ in history.
This story shows us the power of grace. Saul didn’t earn God’s favor. In fact, by worldly standards, he was the least deserving. But God’s grace isn’t about what we deserve. It’s about His unconditional love for us.
Your Encounter Awaits
Maybe you’re reading this and thinking, “Why would God care about someone like me?” You feel weighed down by your past mistakes, your current struggles, or the challenges ahead. But let me remind you: God is fighting for you.
He’s not waiting for you to clean up your act or meet a checklist of qualifications. He’s waiting for you to take a step of faith and cry out to Him. He’s ready to carry you, just like the shepherd carries the lost sheep. And when you turn to Him, all of heaven rejoices.
God’s love for you is overwhelming, never-ending, and unconditional. He created you one of a kind, with a unique purpose and infinite worth. No matter where you’ve been or what you’ve done, His grace is sufficient. Your worth isn’t found in what the world says about you—it’s found in what God declares over you: You are His child. You are loved. You are cherished.
Final Thoughts
So where do you find your worth? In the fleeting standards of the world? Or in the eternal, unchanging love of God? My prayer is that you have an encounter with Him that changes everything—an encounter that helps you see yourself as He sees you.
God’s grace is waiting for you. His arms are open, ready to carry you home. Will you take that step of faith today?
