Wonderful? Who me?
by Pastor Greg Fowler
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For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:13,14).
Read Psalm 139:1–6,13–18
My wife has always been beautiful. And it’s not just me saying that. There has been general agreement on the subject. However, like many people, she felt uncomfortable if anyone complimented her. When someone appreciated her talents, she would redirect the conversation to their gifts. I guess we often feel like we should be humble because arrogant people are no fun to be around. It could also be that we have low self-esteem. After more than 30 years together, my wife can now say ‘thank you’ when someone appreciates her.
When we look into Scripture, we find a different understanding. There is no embarrassment from the psalmists as they declare how wonderful each of us is! According to the Bible, we are wonderful because we are God’s work. It’s okay to celebrate who we are and what we have accomplished because that, too, is God’s work. I was blessed to love a retired missionary couple and serve as their pastor. I was in awe of what they achieved and the legacy they left that came from their obedience and giftedness. Whenever someone praised them for their work, they would accept the praise with a smile and say, ‘It was for his glory and by his power’. They were truly wonderful.
We are all wonderfully made. Maybe we need to hear that afresh today. We have gifts and experiences that only we can use to serve God and bless others. It is okay to smile when another person gives us praise. It is okay to change how we think of ourselves and say, like God himself, ‘I am valuable and beautiful’. And we all say together, ‘It is for God’s glory and by his power’.
Heavenly Father, we thank you that we are wonderfully made. We ask that you help us see ourselves as you do. We praise you as we use our gifts for your glory. Amen.
Pastor Greg lives in beautiful Redland Bay with his wife, Connie, where they enjoy the beaches, weather and outdoor lifestyle of South Brisbane. He serves Faith Lutheran College, Redlands, as the college pastor.
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