How do we determine our value? In previous lessons, we have discussed the world’s distorted view of what is valuable. Have we succumbed to the world’s convoluted ideas on what is valuable? Do we judge ourselves based on an arbitrary standard that has been set by society? It is easy to do.
Although it is hard to understand our value, we must be worth something, God loves us. Knowing that I am loved by the Almighty Creator is staggering. Knowing that he values me is almost unbelievable. I had to figure out why I questioned my value. What had I learned that needed relearning?
I had unwittingly succumbed to the lies of this world. My self-esteem was based on performance. I had learned that if I did well, I received love (or at least affirmation and affection). As long as I had a solid reputation for my good life, everything seemed to be wonderful. This lie was eventually exposed. When my hard work, brought shattered dreams, failure, pain and brokenness, my self-worth plummeted and rightfully so.
If my worth is based on my performance, then I will never measure up. I will never be the smartest, the most talented, the friendliest, the best, the most righteous, etc. On the other hand if my value is based on my rarity and uniqueness, an intrinsic value and worth given to me by the Creator, then I am precious and beloved
“Jesus didn’t say, ‘Blessed are those who care for the poor.’ He said, ‘Blessed are we where we are poor, where we are broken.’ It is there that God loves us deeply and pulls us into deeper communion with himself” (Henri Nouwen). In God’s value system my brokenness isn’t a problem, it is part of my uniqueness. It doesn’t deter him from loving me.
Since I am forgiven, my sin and my brokenness no longer inhibit a loving relationship with my Abba, Father. “Our courteous Lord does not want his servants to despair because they fall often and grievously; for our falling does not hinder him in loving us” (Julian of Norwich). If Christ loved me so much that while I was still a sinner, he died for me, of course he loves me now that I am in his family. In this fact, I find my value.
The world says that we find our value in what we do. The Bible says that Jesus determined our value. “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 John 4:9–10, NIV).
I cannot understand it, but I am so valuable that God Almighty died to redeem me. He bought me when I had been discarded as trash. I cannot comprehend what value he sees, but I am in no position to argue with God. I am broken, but not trash.