What you're worth

I hate to always compare values with money, but it is a powerful word picture and one that almost everyone can identify with. In our world, price is driven by so many things--demand, supply, politics, etc. And we all know when we see a good value. I mean, I love bargain hunting!

But the thought of my own self worth--well, it doesn't remind me of bargain hunting at all. Honestly, it makes me think of this:

Not very pretty, and hardly worth much. Life has left me feeling a little useless (you've heard about the talk to stop minting pennies???), and even a little corroded. I have done some of this to myself--making decisions that weren't good for me, following the lead of persuasive people who didn't care about me at all--and some of this was done by outside sources. But all the same, it is easy for me to "value" myself very lowly.

Perhaps you have experienced something recently that made you feel like you had little value. Perhaps you are recovering from an experience like that right now. And if so, it is my prayer that God has led you here so I can share a little bit of joy and change your view and self-value right now.

See, the great thing about knowing God is this: He is the ultimate "Banker", and unlike the mysterious banker on "Deal or No Deal", it is His goal to make you rich! He wants you to walk away with the million dollars, and He will not tear you down in an attempt to do it!

As Christians, our value is not related to what we've done, who we are, or where we've been. In fact, our value isn't even related to what we will do, who we will become, or where we may go. Our value is completely independent of that. Our value is very high--so high, Jesus had to lay down his life to buy it. And then, to make it even more amazing--He got his life back and so did you!

Your value is not determined by the mistakes you've made, the tragedies you've endured, the pain you've caused others or they've caused you. Your value is set by the one who purchased you! In I Corinthians it says (v.19, 20a):

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price.

You were bought with a price! You have value! And your value is determined by the demand (God wants you BAD!) and by the supply (there's only ONE you!). No matter how little you feel like you're worth, God knows exactly how much value you have (and so do I!).

And in case you need a little musical "pick me up", here's a short music video that speaks deeply to me when I struggle with my own value.