Redeemed to be Someone

I am consistently presented with the idea that I am really no one in this world. I am passionate about the work that I do and my mission and values are centered around being a servant and caring for others before myself. Because I am not self aggrandizing I am not given the credit for the work that I am responsible for as others take my credit for themselves and I am treated as though I was a part of the team that pulled it off.

In the eyes of God the above could not be further from the truth.

“¹¹For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, ¹²training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, ¹³waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, ¹⁴who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. ¹⁵Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.” – Titus 2:11-15 (ESV)

I have been trained to walk away from those thing that are not of God and as noted at the end of verse 15 I am to “Let no one disregard you.” I am someone in the eyes of God. I have been redeemed to be someone and for that I should celebrate daily. Those that are set in their ways of aggrandizing themselves, I should let them, although make sure that I know my part. For God is on my side and has redeemed me.

I am human and have emotions and of course want to be recognized for the work I do. I deserve to be treated with respect and treated fairly in the world around me. But, I should not look for my validation from the world. My redemption and validation comes from God. I was redeemed to be someone in the eyes of Him.

How much are you dependent on the approval of others? What things have you done that you may feel as though you were slighted on related to credit? Are you aware that the approval from the world does not matter as you were redeemed to be someone by God?