By Pastor Bill Hayden
12/06
There is not one person born of a woman that doesn’t have a need for affirmation. Affirmation in the Holy Bible means establish, confirm or make firm. Biblical references are based on truth and there are plenty of examples in the bible.
Sometimes children will seek attention in all the wrong places if they are not being affirmed by their parents or siblings. In some cases, the acknowledgement from family and friends is not enough for their deep need to be valued. There is an old saying, “Children should be seen and not heard” could be seen as a form of rejection by some.
When a person has dealt with rejection at a crucial time in their life it could have a long-term effect on their mental or social development. I recall a time in my life, during the formative years, having to deal with feelings of brokenness and rejection. You reach out to others, silently weeping on the inside, with no avail because they could not discern your need. If only I could have been embraced with a gentle hug to acknowledge that I was a part of their lives… it would have been enough!
As we encounter each other for the first time, our personal history may be unknown but the human experience is well known according to our basic needs and knowledge.
Let me be the first today to affirm your place in the world today if someone hasn’t already shared that with you. First, you were created by a Divine entity with the purpose of living eternally. Genesis 1:26-27 NKJV 26 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.
First, in a perfect world you would know that you were gifted with special abilities, highly valued and connected to bring balance to the purpose of your existence. In all that you do, it should reflect your Creator.
Second, the world is not a perfect place and men have rebelled against their Creator. Therefore, you must contend with what God has planned for your well being and not be distracted by negative influences to corrupt your thinking.
Third, you are worth more to your Creator than any building made with human hands. If you were not of value, there would not be a reason for Him to sacrifice His Son to save you from an eternal separation of His presence.
Celebrate with us at the Villages Community Chapel in Cribari Auditorium, every Sunday at 10 a.m. to be encouraged over the Word of Life, enjoy a cup of coffee and cookies with friends. The chapel is a place for needs to be met, faith to be affirmed and new friends to embrace. You can view our worship services on YouTube at Villages Community Chapel San Jose, CA.