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Maytag appliances once had a commercial showing a technician twiddling his fingers. He had nothing to do. And Volkswagen once had a commercial that went, “If you had a car that didn’t break so much, you wouldn’t be broke so much.” These companies sought to convey to the public that their products were reliable. Jesus stressed to His followers how important it is to show our reliability in difficult times. Speaking to his disciples as recorded by Matthew 10, Jesus said, “Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.” Jesus never taught that His followers would have a life of ease. He told them to expect trouble, but they should remember that threats or difficult trials could never shake God’s love for them, or dislodge God’s Spirit from within them. The real test of value is how well something holds up under wear, tear, and stress of everyday life. When we stand firm for Christ in spite of our troubles, we show that we have lasting value. We can be sure God will reward us for our faithfulness.
