Let me ask you a few questions and I want you to be honest with yourself and God:
1- Do you equate your productivity in life and destiny to the things that you do ?
2- Do your activities and achievements influence how valuable you think you are to God and others?
3- What matters the most to you, being or doing?
4- Whose approval matters the most to you, God’s approval? People’s approval? Or Both ?
Yes, these are tough questions.
To be honest, I had never had a chance to ponder on these questions until I experienced a long desert where the balance I had struggled to maintain in my life fell like a pack of card.
I had never known such a long succession of what I would call unproductive days. Unproductive for the most part because it didn’t fit into the normal life routine which according to me was waking up, heading to work (professional activity leading to a monetary or financial reward) or school and then coming home or perhaps an outing with friends to socialize or why not attending a local church physically.
Notice that I defined work as an activity which leads to a financial reward but there in lies a first problem as to what we consider as work. Can a stay at home mum consider that she works all day long?. That I will leave for you to find out what your definition of work is.
Ecclesiastes 9:10 (KJV)- “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.”
Though there may be many reasons as to why we find ourselves in states of dryness where we don’t feel productive, I would like to point out that your unproductivity doesn’t diminish your self-worth and your productivity does not increase it. A 100 dollar bill’s worth doesn’t change based on whether it is being used or not because it’s value has been pre-determined and established. The only side-effect is you could be suffering while still possessing an unused valuable asset.
In the Kingdom of God, being productive amounts to using our gifts and talents for the purpose of blessing others and ultimately so that our God will be glorified when men see our good actions.
Matthew 5:16 (NIV)- “ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
In no way does your productivity bring you more intrinsic worth before God because we are all worth the life of JESUS. Just like for the 100 Dollar bill whose value has been pre-determined and established, our worth and good works have already been defined by God. Don’t believe me?, check out the following scripture 🙂
In no way does your productivity bring you more intrinsic worth before God because we are all worth the life of JESUS. Just like for the 100 Dollar bill whose value has been pre-determined and established, our worth and good works have already been defined by God.
Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)- “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
However, the balance is that even if our worth is not determined by our productivity in the Kingdom, those who serve God with their gifts, talents, abilities, heart, strength…in fact with their all are more valuable to God’s agenda and to the advancement of the Kingdom of our God.
It can take time for you to find your God-given gifts and abilities but one thing is certain and that is what I want you to keep : YOU ARE VALUABLE TO GOD REGARDLESS OF WHAT YOU DO OR NOT SO DON’T TIE YOUR WORTH TO YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS. What achievements and productivity do is that they bring fulfillment and God desires all of us to be fulfilled in life as we do what He has called us to do.
Accept God’s love and grace today while you continue your journey to finding and doing the good works that He has prepared for you in His sovereignty. Don’t limit these good works to just a huge assignment, start with the little things and actions that seem small but are captured as God’s will in the bible.
To further your knowledge on this matter, I recommend you prayerfully meditate on the following bible scriptures while asking God to show you how to be productive for Him and find your true self-worth in your identity in Christ:
- Parable of the talents : Matthew 25:14-30
- Identity in Christ:
- Ephesians 1:3,4,5
- Ephesians 2:10
- Ephesians 2:5,6
- 2 Corinthians 6:1
Salvation Prayer (Please say it out loud wherever you are): – Romans 10:9,10
Lord Jesus, I recognize that you are the Son of God, that you came on earth, died for my sins on the cross, resurrected on the third day and You are now seated at the right hand of God the Father. I acknowledge that I cannot be righteous by my self and accept the righteousness purchased by your precious blood on the cross for me. I proclaim that by this I have now defeated Satan, hell and the grave. I ask you Lord Jesus to fill me with your Holy Spirit now.
Congratulations brethren and welcome to God’s family!
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