Discovering Your Significance in Your Irrelevance

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, touches on the essence of what might be considered ‘irrelevant’ in ministry, yet profoundly significant in God’s eyes.

In his letter to the Corinthian church, Paul wrote:

But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.

1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (NIV)

Paul sheds light on the significance of what the world might deem irrelevant. Certainly in ministry, it’s not about worldly wisdom, strength, or status, but about God’s power, wisdom, and His grace.

I believe this is true for each and every believer and follower of Jesus.

When we feel ‘irrelevant,’ we are in a position where God’s grace can be most evident and powerful. Our ‘irrelevance’ can magnify God’s relevance and sovereignty.

“Look at Jesus. The world did not pay attention to him.”

Henri Nouwen, In the Name of Jesus

Jesus himself exemplified this principle. He was born in a humble setting, lived a life without earthly wealth or political power, and yet, His life, death, and resurrection are the cornerstone of Christian faith. He chose fishermen, tax collectors, and sinners to be His disciples – people who were considered irrelevant by the societal standards of the time.

The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12) also echo this sentiment, blessing those who are poor in spirit, meek, and persecuted for righteousness’ sake. In God’s kingdom, these ‘irrelevant’ ones are given profound significance.

In the Kingdom of God, the concept of relevance or irrelevance as the world perceives it takes on a different dimension.

Sometimes, I find myself struggling with significance at work. I want be more, do more, earn more. Instead, I should be content in my role knowing that I am loving others and helping advance the Kingdom of God.

Other times, I erroneously think that the greater ministry is my paid vocation and not my blog. Yet, as great as the work we do at my ministry job is, I’ve also been called to reach people for Christ and help people grow and mature spiritually through my blog. While one helps fund the other, the one is not more than the other. Both are work that God has called me to and entrusted me to shepherd and steward.

My blog is just as important as my job. One just happens to pay better.

In doing God’s work, being seen as ‘irrelevant’ by the world’s standards is actually a testament to God’s power working through our weakness and humility (2 Corinthians 12:9). We are not, after all, defined by worldly relevance, but faithfulness to God’s call, dependence on His strength, and the transformation of lives through the Gospel.

Do you feel like you aren’t seen or heard or like you don’t matter?

You are loved.

Praying for us.

Rainer Bantau —The Devotional Guy™