What's Your Personal Value To God?

Photo Courtesy of Creative Commons

If your home was on fire, and you had only a fleeting moment to run in and grab one thing, what would that sole item be?

I asked this question in our college small groups a while ago and received some amazing responses from the students. I, unfortunately, don't have any heirlooms or amazing treasure I can't live without. Sadly there's no Chinese carved rhinoceros horned cups from the late 17th century valued at $1-1.5 million (as recently appraised on the Antique Roadshow) tucked away in my private collection.  My answer, already knowing that my wife and two pups are outside, is to rush in and grab my laptop. Sorry it's not as sexy of an answer as yours will be.

The point is we all have treasures that we cherish above the rest.  We have our favorite books, musicians, sports teams, restaurants, etc.

We also have our favorite family members, co-workers, classmates, or even friends.  Someone who means more to us than anyone else.  Chances are, as you read that last line, you thought of the person who is your favorite - your "treasure," if you will.  They have earned that status over time, and proven themselves worthy of that title, right? 

Dictionary.com defines favorite "as a person or thing regarded with special favor or preference."  There is something personal - more intimate - about someone or something that earns them the title of "favorite."

Guess what - God doesn't differentiate between your value to Him or mine!  As individuals, we mean as much to Him as the next person on His list.  Colossians 3:25 wraps up the chapter with this simple statement - "For God has no favorites."

That means that you singing praise songs off-key in your shower means just as much to Him as Chris Tomlin, David Crowder, or Lecrae does.  As a business person you mean as much to Him as Bill Gates or Blake Mycoskie.  As a christian leader you are valued equally to Pastor Steven Furtick or Beth Moore.

The value lies in what you do with the gifts you possess.  Are you singing with all that you have?  Are you the best possible business leader out there?  Are you focused on serving Him?  It matters not whether you have 10, 5 or 1 talent - what are you doing with what you've been entrusted to manage?

How amazing that He loves us for just who He created us to be.  There's not a thing we can do to make Him love us any more than He already does. O Praise Him!

Ok - so what's your one thing to grab out of your burning house?       

13 Early Morning Random Thoughts

Photo Courtesy of Creative Commons

1)      Never go for a jog in the neighborhood on trash day during the summer heat.  Nasty!  Also, stop fueling up with Cookie Crisp and milk on such days.   

2)      I sure enjoy summertime, heat and all.  Nothing beats being outdoors and getting your sweat on in the warmth of the sun.  Nothing, that is, unless it’s DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince rapping about it – you’re welcome.

3)      New rule in the Crews household – less TV, more reading.  My goal is at least 2 books per week right now, up from 1 per week. 

4)      I just finished the WAR of ART: Break through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Steven Pressfield.  Absolutely amazing work by a great author.  His goal is simple – to help the reader overcome resistance to the creative process.  If you are an artist, a scribe, one who thinks creatively – I highly recommend it.  

5)      Speaking of reading, my devotions are taking me into the depths of the gospels right now.  I’m reading a parallel passage of the four gospel stories combined chronologically, and it’s dramatically enlightening.

6)      I’ve come to realize that when I blog, as well as when I preach, I don’t come across as funny as I think I am.  Hmm.  Sarcasm is sometimes hard to translate into text, and that's a shame.  I'm quite fluent.

7)      Why must YouTube sneak in 2 minute long commercials when I am listening to my playlist?  I should just stick to Pandora.

8)      How is it that my wife Becky and I graduated from college over 15 years ago?  We still swear that we're in our twenties (insert your own sarcasm here).

9)      I constantly see God smiling at me – partly because I’m looking for Him, mostly because He's so Gracious.  What about you?

10)   I know God has amazingly incredible plans for my church this fall.   

11)   I’m getting pumped up for football season to get started.  Nowadays I think the NFL is more enjoyable than college, but it’s pretty close.  What’s your preference?  Go Seminoles and Buccaneers!   

12)   That last line could get me tarred and feathered here in central North Carolina.  I like living on the edge.

13) Adele has one of the most beautiful voices out there right now.  Listen to her here.

Ok – enough rambling from me for today.  What's something zany that you have to share?