For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10 NLT
We don’t have to live long until we realize that simply living is not enough. Nelson Mandela said that what counts is not the mere fact that we have lived, but that we have made a difference. When we also understand that to any degree, it awakens our need for significance. However, unfortunately we can write a very short book about how that most often works out.
- Chapter One: I desire and deeply need to be significant.
- Chapter Two: I find a way or ways to perform and achieve success (which I mistake for significance) in that way.
- Chapter Three: I fail. My efforts are never as perfect or as recognized as I wish, and I either give up or frantically pursue success at any cost.
- Chapter Four and the rest of the book: My life is a continual pursuit of an elusive goal. The end.
That was not all Nelson Mandela said. The entire quote is this: “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made in the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.” Sheer performance (in sports, the arts, business, religion, finances, whatever your success arena), no matter how excellent, will never lead to the deep sense of significance and satisfaction for which we were all created. It is so deep in us we will never get away from it. As Paul said, “We ARE His masterpiece.” We don’t have to try to be masterpieces. We ARE. We just need to fulfill our purpose in order to enjoy our significance.
Significance is ultimately shaped by our sense of belonging. Significance is the result when you discover WHO you are and WHOSE you are. Belonging is powerful because belonging provides a strong sense of connectedness and purpose. There are four ways belonging relates to our need for significance. First, we are significant because we are God’s dearly loved creation, made in His very own image. Secondly, when we belong to Jesus through salvation, our identity is in Christ. That means that my sense of worth, purpose, and value are rooted in my relationship with Jesus Christ, rather than personal achievements. This understanding shapes how I view myself, my life, and my relationship with the world. Thirdly, we find significance from belonging to a community of others who are also committed to Jesus, finding their worth and purpose in Him. Together we do great things because, finally, belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ gives me the most meaningful purpose and mission: helping His Kingdom come and fulfilling His command to share the Good News with the world through our gifts. That will provide the significance and meaning we were made to crave.
- Attempting to find significance through performance will crush me or make me addicted to temporary success. Finding it through Christ will give lasting significance through a life that truly matters. My life will make a forever difference.