Worthiness - 1 Corinthians 3:16

1 Corinthians 3:16 Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? (NIV)

            There are days when all of us go through some sort of depression or low self-esteem. It may come after a family argument, or when a project fails, or as a result of being unjustly accused. We may feel worthless and empty, of no value to anyone or totally insignificant. We may think less of our gifts and strength and more about weaknesses and faults, especially when we see others around us accomplish much with their lives and be successful. It happens to all of us and if you remember Christ’s struggles throughout His life, you also know He hit rock bottom, too. (John 6:60-66)

            Today’s highlighted verse is a great comfort to me when I’m feeling down. It reminds me that God’s Spirit dwells within me, sinner though I am and so unworthy of such a presence. This tells me that God thinks more about me than I do of myself. Because God loves me, I understand that I am a child of His grace and still a servant of His Son.

            No matter what you’re going through and no matter what you’ve done; no matter how bad you feel about yourself or your present circumstances, please know this: God’s Spirit abides within you and in His eyes, you are precious, accepted, and loved, not just at this time, but forever.

Point to ponder

Am I feeling down about myself? Do I know that God loves me truly?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for loving us so completely that You sacrificed Yourself so that we may be restored to God’s favor and love. In those dark moments when we are down and depressed, let Your Spirit embrace and sustain us from within. In Your Holy Name, we thankfully pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to send feedback about today’s message, send him an email to Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s recent lectionary drawings based on a verse from Isaiah called “Diadem.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Diadem.