The world we live in desperately tries to define us by our appearance, our bank accounts, and our influence — but what if we’ve missed what matters most? You and I, every single one of us, are seen, known, and cherished by the God who breathed galaxies into being. The one who painted sunsets across the sky is tenderly mindful of you. Over the years, I’ve seen Tim Tebow share God’s love far beyond the football field. Whether it’s through safe homes in developing countries, advocacy for vulnerable children, or Night to Shine, a worldwide celebration for people with special needs and disabilities. At the heart of it all, he remains devoted to affirming the value of every human life, a perspective he shares in his new book, Look Again. It’s a joy to welcome Tim to the farm’s table today…
Guest Post by Tim Tebow
Recently, Demi and I visited the Rijksmuseum, a famous art museum featuring masterpieces from great Dutch artists like Vermeer, Rembrandt, and Van Gogh. The place was packed.
While I’m definitely not an art connoisseur—I’m more of a people person than a painting guy— Demi’s heart was set on seeing one-of-a-kind masterpieces, worth millions, that have shaped history and preserved the memories of artists long gone.
Speaking of millions, in 2023 the Rijksmuseum acquired Rembrandt’s The Standard Bearer for 175 million euros ($191.3 million). And that’s just one of thousands of paintings in this museum. Talk about value!
I remember standing in front of one painting in particular. At least thirty art lovers stood locked in time, admiring the brushstrokes of the work or the history behind it or marveling at the artist’s technique.
Many were holding up their phones to capture a snapshot of the carefully preserved strokes of oil on a canvas. Before I say what I’m about to say, I do not mean to diminish the beauty of art or the talent behind the artist. I may not understand art, but I know it takes something special to create something meaningful.
As I watched the gawking and awestruck crowd, I realized something. If they had flipped their phones to selfie mode, they would have seen a true masterpiece.
They would have seen a living and breathing human being, designed by the master architect of the universe. They would have seen a masterpiece that is infinitely more valuable than any multimillion-dollar painting. Because that’s who we are.
That’s who you are—the pinnacle of creation made on purpose.
When we don’t recognize or believe our true worth as God’s masterful creation, we settle for hollow substitutes.
We often rely on the opinions of others, our social status, or our accomplishments to boost our self-esteem and make us feel better about ourselves. We chase approval from others rather than focus on what matters most.
All this is less than the “abundant life” Jesus promised in John 10:10. The Greek word John uses for ‘abundant,’ is “perisson.” Perisson describes a life “exceedingly, very highly, beyond measure, more, superfluous, a quantity so abundant as to be considerably more than what one would expect or anticipate.” I don’t know about you, but that’s the kind of life I want. And that’s the kind of life God came to give, because He thinks you and me are worth it!
You see, human beings matter to God in a way that no other creature ever could.
As Paul Tripp wrote, “Adam and Eve are not just part of the catalog of creatures that God made. They are above, they are special, and they are christened with a dignity that separates them from everything else.” King David echoed this remarkable truth when he wrote Psalm 8:
What is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor. You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet. (Psalm 8:4–6)
David marveled at the fact that God, the Creator of all things, not only considers humans but cares about them. Just thinking about this gives me chills; it’s a humbling reminder. I often forget, or take for granted, that I was created with such love and intention.
We are uniquely created with infinite value and worth, yet we often look past ourselves and others.
What might happen if we took the perspective of our Creator and chose to look again?
I know I’ve been called to serve the world’s most vulnerable people and I’ve come to realize something deeply: everything changes when we start to see the image of God in every person—ourselves, our neighbors, and even those we struggle to love.
In my new book, Look Again, I share stories that have shaped me. Lessons I’ve learned from Scripture. And, the truth that’s changed how I live. My hope is to challenge you to step into your purpose to make a lasting impact, right where you are.
Tim Tebow is a speaker, entrepreneur, college football analyst for ESPN and SEC Network, and the author of five New York Times bestsellers, including Shaken, This is the Day, and the children’s book Bronco and Friends: A Party to Remember. Prior to his current endeavors, Tim was an NFL quarterback, a two-time NCAAF national champion, Heisman Trophy winner, and College Football Hall of Fame inductee.
He’s also the founder of the Tim Tebow Foundation, dedicated to bringing Faith, Hope and Love to those needing a brighter day in their darkest hour of need. Since 2010, the foundation has served some of the world’s Most Vulnerable People – the real MVPs – across more than 100 countries through ministry focuses in Anti-Human Trafficking & Child Exploitation, Orphan Care + Prevention, Profound Medical Needs, and Special Needs.
Tim is married to Demi-Leigh Tebow—speaker, author, entrepreneur, and former Miss Universe 2017. They live in Jacksonville, Florida with their daughter, Daphne, and their three dogs, Chunk, Kobe, and Paris.
{Our humble thanks to Thomas Nelson for their partnership in today’s devotional.}
