SUBMERGEഉദാഹരണം

Wonderfully Made

Earlier this summer, I had the opportunity to serve on a mission trip to Ecuador with a terrific group of students from Southern Nazarene University. As we debated the next day’s lesson topic, Jaley (one of our students) suggested the story of Samuel and David found in 1 Samuel chapter 16. When she suggested it, I questioned whether we could draw out a biblical truth that would resonate with the children of Ecuador. Wow…was I wrong.

Because of the language barrier, we chose to act out the story and intentionally selected a young boy to play the part of David. His small stature helped to illustrate the point of this verse, and I will always remember how proud he was to be identified as the one God had chosen! While this verse uses physical stature and outward appearance, I believe the same is true for other areas of our lives that Satan has tried to convince us aren’t good enough for God’s service.

I believe Rich Villodas used the same scripture from 1 Samuel during his message at the Nazarene Youth Conference. While the insights he shared may have been different, the central message is true for all of us. Our world looks at the outside, but God looks at the inside.

In today’s world of social media and filters, it can be particularly challenging to see ourselves as God sees us. My prayer for each of you (and for me) is that we place importance on matters of the heart and don’t fall prey to Satan’s temptation to view our self-worth through the lens of men. As David wrote in Psalms 139, you are “wonderfully made.”

Reflection:

In what areas has God uniquely gifted you?

How can you use these strengths and abilities to serve others?

Dr. Mike Redwine
SNU Executive Vice President