Saving Private Ryan is an epic World War II war film that follows the search for James Ryan, the last surviving brother of four servicemen. The search is led by an army ranger captain named John Miller. Ryan is located, but on the return journey, Miller is gravely injured. As he dies, he whispers to Ryan, “Don’t waste this.” Ryan carried those words throughout his life. Years later, he broke down when he and his family visited Miller’s grave in Normandy. Through tears, he asked his wife, “Am I a good man?” He wanted his life to be significant, not wasted, for the man who had saved him.

Many people, even Christians, struggle with significance. Maybe it stems from a dad you could never please or a mom who always asked, “Why can’t you be like your brother or sister?” Maybe you heard a teacher tell you you’d never amount to anything, or a coach berated you for “losing the game.” Maybe your boss makes you feel small. Tomorrow, we will consider a man in Scripture who struggled with significance his entire life. But today, I want you to know this:

You are significant!

Significance doesn’t come in a title or achievement. Significance is not about who you are but Whose you are. Every believer is a child of God (John 1:12-13) and a friend of Jesus (John 15:15). Your position came at a great cost. You were bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). The apostle Paul says that you are God’s masterpiece.

Ephesians 2:10
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

You are God’s special creation—his work of art. There is no one on earth like you. God gave you a unique fingerprint, eye print, and voice print. You were separated from God because of sin, and the Father sent his Son to die on the cross just for you. Jesus died so you could live. God created you in Christ Jesus to do great things, make an impact, and be a person of consequence. There is no fear of insignificance in the life of the believer. You are a child of the living King!

Father,
Help me move from the hurt of the past that instilled insignificance in my life. Help me to live in your kingdom as the King’s child. Help me walk in the good works you created for me. Remind me every day that my significance comes from you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.