We Need You and Your Spiritual Gifts
By Rick Warren
“We are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)
The reason you have value is because of what God says about you, not because of what other people say about you.
Yesterday we talked about how to use your spiritual gifts for God’s glory. But you can’t do that until you understand your value and believe God loves you just how he made you.
Many people lack self-esteem. They don’t feel good about themselves because they’re always trying to pump themselves up by the kind of clothes they wear or car they drive and the things they say. They’re constantly striving to feel better about themselves because they really don’t accept themselves—which is rebellion against God.
If God wanted you to be somebody else, you wouldn’t exist. But God wanted you! He made you to be you. We know as believers that real self-esteem comes from three facts:
1. God created you.
2. Jesus died for you.
3. God’s Spirit lives in you.
The Bible says, “We are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago” (Ephesians 2:10 NLT).
The New Testament was written originally in Greek. The Greek word for “masterpiece” is “poema.” It’s the word we get “poem” from. God says, “You’re my poem. You’re my masterpiece. I don’t want you copying somebody else. I’ve put gifts in you, and I want you to use them.” You have worth because of what God says about you and what he has done for you.
There are no little people in the family of God. Every part is necessary. Do you know what the most important light in my house is? It’s not the big chandelier in the dining room. It’s the little nightlight I turn on so that I don’t stub my toe when I get up to use the bathroom in the middle of the night.
Every role is important. You are important. You have value because God says so and because he paid such a large ransom for your life when he sent his Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for you.
Now, knowing what God has done for you and how he shaped you, how will you start to use your gifts for his glory?
PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!
Be Encouraged Each Day to Live Out God’s Purposes
As thanks for your gift below to help share the gospel with more people around the world through Daily Hope, we’ll send you Pastor Rick’s new book, Daily Hope Devotional: 365 Days of Purpose, Peace, and Promise.
Each devotional starts out with a Bible verse, followed by teaching that explains God’s Word and shows you how to apply it daily so you can face any challenge and live the life you were created to live.
As a special bonus when you give, we’ll also send you What's Driving Your Life?: A 10-Day Turnaround for a Fresh Start. Featuring 10 hand-picked devotions from Pastor Rick’s new book, they’ll guide anyone feeling stressed, worried, or discouraged toward seeking God for a fresh start.
Request your copy below when you give—and take the first step towards a year of real purpose, lasting peace, and unfailing promises.
Thank you for your partnership!
*The USA IRS code permits you to deduct the amount of your financial gift to Daily Hope that exceeds the fair market value of materials you received from Daily Hope.
This devotional © 2018 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
You can listen to Rick Warren on OnePlace.com.
