It is sad to read so often of people who see no purpose in living. At the point in time, when they should be rejoicing in their youth, even many teenagers see no purpose in living. No doubt, mind-altering substances are often involved. However, often, the state of mind that has led to a young person’s suicide is a result of relationship issues.
Sense of worth is developed within a family that functions in a manner designed by God. Such a family will have structure created by the family members adopting specific roles. Therein lie the real issues of self-worth. Family values have been turned upside down. This factor is so pervasive that you don’t need a list to reinforce it. We all know, see, and observe the obvious.
The result of dysfunctional families is dysfunctional people. Without proper parental role models, children flounder and struggle with a sense of worth. However, human nature is a constant. In its desire for recognition, the need for self-worth will be sought after in ways that further add to the problem. The central thrust of self-centeredness within our cultural context is a result.
Self-worth, when sought from the human realm, is hollow and empty. Vanity, as Solomon put it. It will ultimately let you down because it lacks substance.
Of all the billions on earth now, God has given His people a way out of this morass. He is a Father – our personal Father – and He provides for us a sense of worth over and above the human existence. As just one example, take some time to consider these inspired words penned by King David in Psalm 139. “For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth” (Psalm 139:13-15).
Our lives are a careful construct. We are made and overseen by a Creator God who is intimately involved in all aspects of our lives. You may not have known God until He called you at some point in your life, but He knew you as you formed in the womb of your mother. God is overseeing the formation of a person who has the potential to become an eternal son in His family.
How can we raise our eyes onto that level and draw our sense of worth from that source?
One tool He has given us is the Sabbath. The Sabbath was formed by God at the end of the creation week. It is the exclamation point to the previous six days. The Sabbath helps us remember God as the Creator. It helps personalize our relationship with the Father. The Sabbath is a time set aside for us to be with God. It is intended as a powerful link to the Creator — not only of heaven and earth – but your actual life. “Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book, they were all written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them” (Psalm 139:16). We can draw a powerful sense of worth from God’s words.
The sermon this week and the next Bible Study will focus on the Sabbath. Take the time to reassess your appreciation of this important 24-hour time period. A day created with a special purpose for man.
Brian Orchard
