Self-importance in the selfie culture has become a norm and expectation for others to affirm, acknowledge, and like is a trend in social media. Each person desires to be treated like a VIP (Very Important Person) or VVIP (Very Very Important Person). VIPs want to be treated differently from the common people, which will enhance their privilege and prestige.
WIP: In contrast to VIP mania, the followers of the Lord Jesus Christ that they are Work In Progress (WIP) in God’s hand. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10) God works in the lives of disciples to make them transformation agents of good works. The good works they do add value to the lives of all people, raise the standard of living of the community and they become a model for the world to imitate and follow.
Potter: Prophet Jeremiah writes that God is the potter and He shapes the pot according to his intention, purpose, and usage. (Jeremiah 18:1-10) Similarly, God shapes the life of a believer to be equipped for doing good works.
Refiner and Purifier: A refiner sits near the furnace, enduring heat but steadfastly looking at the gold or silver. He first purifies the metal, so that all dross are removed. Patiently, he then shapes the gold or silver for the purpose that is in his mind. (Malachi 3:3) So does God allow disciples to go through testing, refining, and purification through the fire of affliction! The genuineness of faith is evidenced. (I Peter 1:7)
Hope like Job: God allowed Job to go through intense suffering, not because of his sin, but to prove that he was righteous. Even the accuser Satan would be shamed. Job reflects on his suffering and says that he will come out like gold. (Job 23:10)
Promise: There will not be any extraordinary situations or temptations, different from what happens to any person. Amid that also God will create a way for escape. (I Corinthians 10:13)
Am I a VIP or WIP?