Jesus loves underachievers

Even if you skim the New Testament, you'll see that Jesus loves underachievers.

Oh, they didn't call them that in his time. They were the poor, the sick, the prostitutes, and anyone else who was scorned by polite society.

But Jesus doesn't love people for their accomplishments. He loves them for their faith.

As a single person, you may reach a stage--as I did--when you look back and think your life hasn't amounted to much. You don't have a lot of money, acres of property, a beautiful home, or any of the other status symbols that supposedly accompany a "successful" life. Maybe you get depressed, thinking you didn't live up to your potential.

You need to know that Jesus loves underachievers. Whatever material things we gather will be left behind when we die. We will take with us our wisdom, our character, and our faith in our Savior. People who are "underachievers" by the world's standards will reap great rewards in heaven.

Jesus...an underachiever?

Maybe Jesus loves underachievers because he was considered one himself. By the standards of Jewish society, he had not married and fathered a large family, which was one of their requirements for "success." He was not wealthy. Even the people in his hometown belittled him, saying:

"Isn't this the carpenter's son?...Where then did this man get all these things?" And they took offense at him. (Mt. 13:55-57)

He died a tragic, criminal's death at 33 years old. When he was buried, the Sanhedrin and the Romans thought his followers would forget him, and that history would too.

But things aren't always what they seem.

You know how it feels

If you've ever been picked last for a team, you know how it feels to be an underachiever. If you've ever flunked a test, you know how much it hurts. If you've ever had a promising relationship end, you remember the pain. If you've ever had someone say that you disappointed them, you know what I'm talking about.

But Jesus has never said any of those things to you. He knows the truth about you, and that's why he has a special affection for you. Jesus loves underachievers.

You can't achieve your way into his heart, but you can believe your way in. That's what matters.

In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said,

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

If the word had been around then, maybe he would have said "Blessed are the underachievers..."

So don't be disheartened if "success" seems to pass you by. Give life your best effort. Live by the Commandments and the Golden Rule. Keep your eye on Jesus. In the end, his opinion of you is the only one that will matter.

Doctor Jesus

Why Jesus appreciates you

Jesus the supermodel

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