Devotional Day 27: Value

• Matthew 22:37-39: "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself."
• I only included Matthew 22:37-39 because I feel like its speaks well enough on it's own for this message. Life is about building relationships with other people and God so that you value them enough to respect them.

     First thing there is to remember is establishing a valued relationship with God. You have to commit your entire heart to Him! Not only that, but you have to commit your mind and soul to Him as well. Building that lasting relationship is what will build your confidence in God and your respect. You'll learn to value what He has to teach and care for Him so much that you have no problem following what He wants you to follow. It's just like a respected teacher or maybe a coach. You know what they are instructing you is true, and you trust that they want to push you in the right direction.

     The same valued relationship you have with God should be the same kind of valued relationship you have with you parents, siblings, friends, and other people. Part of valuing others is being able to be honest with them and trust their opinions. Value also reflects in the way you respect them and what they have to say. Sometimes making someone feel valued is as simple as listening! If your mom asks you to take out the trash, do it! She'll value that you respected them enough to do what they asked you. If a teacher gives you an assignment, do it. They'll value that you respected their deadlines and instruction. This can go many different ways with many different relationships. In many ways the lesson of value goes right along with the lessons of love and listening. Show others you value them through the simple things! Then they'll know they can trust you through the big things. The same goes with God. Show God you value Him through the simple things, and He'll be proud when you prove your value through the big things.

                                                                        Questions/Application

• How can you show others you value them?
• What simple things can you do to show God and others that you value them?
• How do you think people and God view you when you prove that you value them?
• How do others show you that they value you?