Broken Self-Worth
Christ Centered – Part 2

Scripture Reading: John 12:1-8

Key Verse: John 12:3

Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

Yesterday’s devotional ended with a question.  It was concerning the place in life where Mary, the sister of Lazarus, had arrived.  She had found her identity in Jesus.  She was convinced that He was the Son of God.  Though Mary was not immune to what others thought of her, it was Jesus’ opinion that mattered the most.

          Yes, I believe we can get to this level of living as well!  Our self-worth can be so centered in Christ that what others think of us takes a back seat.  When we are truly convinced in who Jesus is, what could He possibly ask of us that the opinions of others would prevent us from obeying Him?  When our devotion and worship of Him is authentic—from the deepest recesses of our hearts—what act of worship would be too much?  Jesus is looking for (and deserves) followers who say, “He is right and worthy to be followed.”

The young man who came to talk with Jesus in Matthew’s Gospel, chapter 19, had the opposite thinking of Mary.  He wanted heaven, but did not truly believe in Jesus’ identity as the Son of God.  This lack of conviction led to a lack of devotion and worship of Jesus.  Thus, when Jesus told him to sell all he owned and follow Him, he walked away sad!  Why was he sad?  He was devoted to his money—not Jesus!  Where do you get your self-worth!  Who or what is the source?

Father, you are the only one who matters in my life.  Ask me what you will—the answer is yes.  In Jesus’ name, amen.