Significance

Photo by Dana Bartheld

Significance, a word I heard several months ago, and has been stirring around in my heart since. It is something I want, however it means so much more to me today than it did as a young adult. In my younger days, significance was about the right job, position, authority, responsibility. It was about power over others. It was about others seeing me as someone significant. Now its meaning is very different.

When I look at scripture and the life Jesus lead, significance changes. Jesus shows me that it comes through a deep and personal sense of meaning and commitment to others. It begins with that sense of meaning that comes through a relationship with God. Then, it becomes about strengthening relationships with others. It becomes about being present with others in their mess. It becomes about showing up for others when they need you but can’t ask for it.

Significance becomes small. It is seeing others as more than myself. It is being willing to serve in insignificant ways to build others up. It’s doing the laundry, cleaning the bathroom or running the vacuum for someone else. It’s holding the door, a kind word and a reassuring smile. It’s reminding others of their value.

Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, (Philipians 2:2-5 ESV).

But in humility count others as more significant than myself; that is where I will find significance. It comes from a sense of deep contentment through Christ. I want a sense of significance in my life. I need to adjust my purpose to the small things that bring value to those around me. This will come through focusing on others and focusing on God.

How do you define significance? Is it something you are looking for? What are you doing to create significance within yourself or others? Share your experience here and breathe life and bring hope to others.

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