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You Are More Valuable

House Sparrow Flock Landing in Hedge

The gradual shift in modern educational philosophy to a “self esteem” emphasis is complete. From the math standards that discourage teachers from “correcting” incorrect answers to the ball fields where “we don’t keep score” so no one “feels” bad, this shift is now producing consequences of its own. In fact, some have come to call the modern generation the “snowflake” generation because these young people have all been told they are just like a “snowflake.” Each one is different from the other, and it looks like just as delicate!

To be sure, this shift in philosophy is motivated by the best of intentions, but, as in many of our human endeavors, those unintended consequences usually “surprise” all of us. While attempting to “correct” what we see as a flaw, we make matters worse by creating even more problems in our constant social experimentation. The problem is the real consequences show up in real people’s lives. And then it shapes the entire society and enshrines these spiritual and emotional poverties as virtues!

No wonder we humans always tend to be our own worst enemies, and no wonder the message of Christ is such a radical message for this upside down world of ours.

Just look at today’s Gospel Lesson in Matthew 10:23-31:

The Lord said to his disciples, “When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next; for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of man comes. A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master; it is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household. So have no fear of them; for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. What I tell you in the dark, utter in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim upon the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father’s will. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.”

Talk about the true source of healthy self-esteem! You ARE more valuable than sparrows!

He has just told His disciples to go everywhere spreading His message and He has told them they would be persecuted and driven from town to town. The disciples are to be like their Master and see all this rejection of the message of Christ as the reality of the spiritual poverty in the world. But all this opposition isn’t meant to discourage or dissuade them. It isn’t meant to crush their “self-esteem!”

After all, we are not to fear them that can merely kill the body! Doesn’t our Creed declare the resurrection of the dead? Isn’t the central message of our faith the destruction of death by death? So, if death is defeated then that threat doesn’t hold us in fear any longer! Our greatest threat to our real self esteem comes from that which deludes us into remaining a slave to the fear of death. That is what destroys the soul! And that is what steals our true self worth from us! Your Father sees every sparrow that falls to the ground, and you are worth more than many sparrows. In fact, even the hairs of your head are numbered by the Lord Who KNOWS you, and this is where your real self worth lies; in your intimate connection with your Lord.

Today, no amount of “self esteem” support based on making you “feel” better about yourself will ever overcome the tug of the slavery of death in this world. It simply isn’t strong enough to overcome the real soul sickness we all suffer from. No, my dearest, your real self esteem will always be found in a relationship with God. How can it be anywhere else since you were created in His image. All the shallow “science” of “self esteem” in this world will only reinforce the sick narcissism of silly immaturity. Only the esteem that flows from Him Who is Love Himself will ever set you truly free to be who you really are! That is where your best and most purposeful work needs to be! That’s where you will discover your true uniqueness and your real self! That knowledge flows from being Orthodox on Purpose!

P.S. Keep an eye on our Orthodoxy 101 page at www.faithencouraged.org. There we will post updates to our Video Project! The first and most exciting news we have is that our funding for the Demo Video has been raised and the date is set to shoot this part of the Project – July 10th! Please keep us in your prayers as we move forward with this effort to share this Orthodox Faith!

2 Comments

  • Robert
    Posted June 18, 2015 at 6:44 am

    Living in AZ allows me to read your messages before the Western sun rises; While still preparing for my day. Part of my preparation is to focus on your messages to set the mind straight, turning my world right side up! Yours in Christ.

  • Paula
    Posted June 18, 2015 at 6:54 am

    Dear Father
    You are such a blessing to us!! You have such a gift of spreading the gospel in a way that nourishes not only our souls but our minds and our hearts to stay focused on the mark!

    Every early morning I look forward to seeing your posts and enriching my perspective. May our Lord and Savior give you strength and continued wisdom to guide his flock.
    Respectfully, Paula

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