You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light (1 Pet. 2:9).

Our world – even the church – has become celebrity crazy. We follow the actions, antics, and failings of the famous, constantly measuring if their performance still makes them worthy of our attention.

The consequence is not only measuring their worth by their ability to please us – we tend to look at our family, friends, co-workers, and selves the same way. The question that plagues us all: “So, what have you done lately?”

Even if we had wonderful beginnings, and early accolades, the pressure to maintain appreciation and adulation becomes crushing. We compare our appearances, our achievements, and our families’ Facebook posts, constantly feeling pressed to stay acceptable. What can release the pressure?

As Christians, we have the privilege of embracing a new, unchanging, and precious status that identifies us as God’s beloved, based not on what we’ve done but on what Jesus Christ has done for us!

When we come to Christ by faith, we become children of God – adopted into his family forever. With this unchanging status, we’re not always looking for somebody’s spotlight on our performance. We have been called into the marvelous light of God’s eternal love. And, if the Creator of the universe loves you, you must really be something!

Prayer:
Father, help me to view myself through your eyes, relishing the marvelous status you have given me in Christ. May I not be driven by what others think of me but by my love for the One who has made me eternally precious to you.