When we had our first baby, I became a stay-at-home mum. It was the job I had always longed for. So why was I constantly plagued by feelings of low self-esteem and futility? It was partly because I spent too much time comparing myself to others. But it was also because I was failing to measure my worth by God’s standards.

Today’s reading about constructing the tabernacle in the wilderness tells us something about worth. When the Israelites had completed all the components, they presented their work to Moses for inspection. He didn’t ask to see only the ark of the covenant and the pure gold lamp- stands; he asked to see every last piece of this important structure. Aaron’s priestly garments had to be perfect, but so did the tent pegs. In God’s eyes, each item was important and each was infused with value and significance.

Sometimes I may not feel like anything more than a peg, holding down the flapping tent of my home, my job or my life. But in God’s eyes it is not important whether we are made of bronze or gold. Instead, we give glory to God by carrying out the worthy and vital purpose for which he designed us.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to view our tasks through your eyes and, in doing so, glorify you with our attitudes and actions. Amen