What Defines Your Value?

Click here: 1 Peter 1:18-21

REFLECTION

by Mary Alice McGinnis

Since I was a child, I have been trying to “measure up.” It’s been an ongoing battle. Measuring up to the expectations of my parents. Measuring up with my grade card in school. Measuring up to the expectations of other, always concerned about “what other people will think.”

We all try to define our value by various things. Money in the bank, the perfect place to live, having a successful career, the perfect spouse, children or friends. Comparing ourselves to those around us, we can either feel we are lacking or pridefully puff us up.

What makes something valuable? An AI search says, “Value is determined by a combination of factors including individual preferences, supply and demand, and perceived usefulness or benefit. What one person considers valuable, another may not, highlighting the subjective nature of value.”

Hmm, based upon perceived usefulness or benefit. Then catch this - what is valuable to one person is not to another. And an item’s value can shift quickly depending on supply and demand. It’s fickle.

No wonder we are not sure of our own value! If our worth is based upon such fickle things, it can be stripped away in an instant. If I am not perceived as useful enough or to someone’s benefit, I can be tossed aside like garbage. Don’t we see this exact thing happening?

I think the TRUE value of something is defined by what someone is willing to PAY FOR IT.

God defines our value in this way:

“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8-9

God, the supreme ruler of all things, cherished us enough to send His Only Son, Jesus to buy us back despite our lack of usefulness or benefit to Him. That is the way of God’s upside-down economy.

Our value is securely guaranteed when we rely upon Jesus. He sealed us and redeemed us, not with silver and gold, but with His VERY OWN BLOOD. And that person whom you consider as less than valuable? Guess what? Their lack was paid for on the cross right next to yours.

Prayer – Lord, You are more precious than silver. Lord You are more costly than gold! Keep my heart secure and unmoved, knowing only You define my worth. You looked down through the ages and thought of me when You paid the price for my soul, with Your precious innocent blood. I am in awe!