What's Your Worth? by Dan McDonald

If asked whether you could have a penny or a hundred dollar bill, the answer would, more than likely, be quite obvious. Undoudtedly, we would all choose the latter! That's because it's value is so great. Well, when it comes right down to you and me, who is of greater value? From God's frame of reference there is no difference between a penny or hundred dollar bill (he owns it all)- there is no difference between you and me as people (he created us all). However, humanly speaking, we place a higher value on certain people and choose to view others lower. It ought not to be that way - but it just is. More often than not, we blame this sort of thinking on our "flesh" or our human sinful nature. Well, no matter where we choose to place the blame, it is still sin. It doesn't matter what the excuse may be. Jesus was very clear on this issue when He said to love those who use and abuse you; Peter said to be subject even to those who are harsh; and James said not to be nice and respectful to the wealthy while dehumanizing the poor. I've learned in the past few years of ministry how important people really are - from the Pastor all the way to the "pew." We may say we appreciate someone - but how much do we truly value him/her as a person? There are times that I have carelessly hurt people because I've not honored them as I should; even my own family members. If you have ever felt dejected due to someone's words, actions, or lack thereof, that have made you feel worthless, believe me, you're not alone! Just remember our Lord's words in this beautiful passage: Matthew 6:25-30...25 “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?
28 “So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; 29 and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you..." The next time you feel devalued, remember how much you mean to the One who created you - if our Father loves birds and flowers this much imagine how much more He loves you! You are of worth to Him