Over and over again, we have to prove ourselves to the world. We have to demonstrate to those around us, especially people at work, that we measure up to their standards and are worthy of their respect. We also have to prove we can drive before we receive a license; we have to prove we are ready for college; we have to prove we earn enough money to buy a house; and we have to prove we deserve a particular job or even a promotion. The list of demands goes on and on.
With God, however, we never have to prove anything. He does not demand any proof that we are good enough for him. God accepts us always, no matter who we are or what we have done. He knows us; our actions or thoughts are no surprise to him. We may disappoint him at times, but we never have to prove our worthiness in order for him to love us again.
It is easy to become caught up in the world's requirement of having to prove ourelves all of the time. Such a system is never-ending: the more we do, the more we are expected to do. We are only as good as our last success. We can easily become worn out by trying to make others accept us. The world sometimes makes us feel like we are "like broken pottery" (Psalm 31:12), having been crushed under the burden of always proving our value.
To God, we are of greater worth than all the precious stones buried deep in the earth. His love is all the proof we need to prove our worth, both now and for eternity. "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever" (Psalm 107:1). We will never be worth less to him.
Swaffield, Bruce C. Devotions for Life: New Ideas from Old Ways. Newcastle upon Tyne, UK: Cambridge Scholars, 2013 p.239.
