The Search for Relevance

More often than not, those who seek to be relevant seek the approval of others, which becomes the primary reason for doing the things they do. Consequently, they find it difficult to freely give; much less, freely give of themselves. In short, their giving has strings attached, even if it is simply to gain favor or gratitude. In turn, they become people-pleasers, thus making themselves easier to manipulate.
   Some might say, “But I’m a servant who loves to give.” If you serve, or give out of obligation, you are a slave, or an indentured servant at best. In the latter case, anytime someone gives you some sort of attention or affection, you feel obliged to do something in return. You find it nearly impossible to receive unconditional love. Full disclosure, many probably struggle with that one, especially if they don’t feel worthy of it.
   In addition, individuals may find it hard to give unconditional love, because they will be looking for affection in return. Without belaboring the point, they find themselves upset when nothing comes back their way. They get ticked off when they don’t get so much as a “thank you.” This last point can serve all of us as a bellwether. If we become irritated, because there is no sign of appreciation, we probably did not freely give out of love.
   The search for relevance can become a performance-based lifestyle. There is no rest for the weary, because they have not learned how to rest in the Lord. This is not the way God intended any to live, which is no life at all!
   Matthew 11:28-30 Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.

Relevance From Jesus’ Point of View

Jesus freely gave Himself for the sake of the Father, and ours. His love compelled Him to leave Heaven, be born of a virgin in a manager, minister, suffer, and provide the Perfect Sacrifice for our sins on the Cross. He descended into hell, rose from the dead on the third day, and ascended into Heaven. His resurrection became our resurrection. Thus, reconciling us onto God His Father, Who is now our Father.
John 5:41-44 I receive not honour from men. But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you. I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive Me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?
   Jesus intrinsically knew His relevance, which was based on His relationship with the Father. He actually shunned the approval of mankind, because He knew what is in the heart of man. His love enabled Him to freely lay down His life. No one could take it from Him; much less, manipulate Him out of it. His only concern was pleasing the Father; not mankind.
   John 8:29 And He that sent Me is with Me: the Father hath not left Me alone; for I do always those things that please Him.
   John 10:15-18 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down My life for the sheep… Therefore doth My Father love Me, because I lay down My life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of My Father.

Your Relevance

In a performance orientated world, it can be hard to wrap our minds around the idea of unconditional love that takes joy in the recipient for the sake of the recipient alone. This is AGAPE, which is pure and altruistic.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
   God loves you to the point of sending His only begotten Son to die and rise for you, so you could be reconciled onto Him. That makes you relevant. When you seek to please Him only, you are free to give of yourself to others. They cannot take advantage of you, because you’ve already decided to serve without the strings. Some might think they can; but they are mistaken.
   Think of it. None of us has to do anything for show or acceptance, since we’re already accepted. God’s grace enables us to freely love. Should we ever be tempted to perform in hopes of gaining approval from others, there is a passage of Scripture to help keep us grounded.
   Colossians 3:23-24 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

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