Know Your Value
What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows. Matthew 10:29-31
There are moments when I reflect on my journey and wonder about the value I bring into this world. I've had conversations with colleagues where they shared experiences of people questioning their achievements, skills, and the paths they took to reach their positions. It's disheartening when others try to undermine your existence and contributions. Thankfully, this hasn't been my personal experience, though I did face similar doubts early in my life. I owe a great deal to my loving parents and family, who always saw potential in me. Their unwavering support and belief in me instilled confidence and humility. Their love carried me further than I could have ever gone on my own. It was the solid foundation that I had that even when I might have questioned who I was, my belief system always spoke to me saying, “Yes, I belong.”
This brings me to the point of how we are valued to God. I remember a story that a great spiritual mentor taught me. He once said, “Kent, sometimes you care so much for others more than they care for themselves.” That used to puzzle me until it occurred to me that at times, people did not have the belief in themselves that I had in them. That did not mean that I should excuse them if that led them to poor decisions. However, it did mean that I could still hold onto my belief in them while acknowledging they were not where they needed to be. That is how God sees us. He knows more about us than we do about ourselves even when we are falling short.
Understanding the extent to which God values us provides a profound opportunity to align our lives with His expectations. The Bible is filled with narratives that illustrate how God perceives us not merely based on our current circumstances but with a vision of our future potential and our capacity to serve His greater purpose. One account is that of Moses, who initially doubted his ability to lead the Israelites to freedom. In Exodus 3:11, Moses questions, “Who am I to appear before Pharaoh? Who am I to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt?” This self-doubt is met with God’s personal reassurance in Exodus 3:12, where He responds, “I will be with you. And this is your sign that I am the one who has sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God at this very mountain.” God's assurance, “I will be with you,” underscores the principle that His support is pivotal in transforming ordinary individuals into extraordinary leaders for His glory.
This is also evident in the transformative journey of the Apostle Paul, formerly known as Saul. Initially a persecutor of Christians, Saul's encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus marks a pivotal transition. In Acts 9:5-6, the exchange is recorded:
“Who are you, lord?” Saul asked.
And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” (Acts 9:5-6)
This moment encapsulates a profound shift from a life of opposition to one of profound contribution to the Christian faith. Saul's transformation into Paul underscores the principle that God perceives intrinsic value in individuals, irrespective of their past actions or self-assessment Noah, for example, was chosen to preserve humanity and animal life through the construction of the ark. David, a shepherd boy, was anointed to become the king of Israel, demonstrating leadership and faith that far exceeded his initial station. Esther, a Jewish orphan, rose to become a queen who saved her people from annihilation. These examples reinforce the notion that divine elevation is a testament to God's ability to see and actualize potential beyond human understanding. The miracle of it all is that it is within each and every one of us!
Being a living example of God does not make us bigger than life or anywhere near perfect. However, it does grant us the incredible opportunity to serve Him and allow others to witness His radiant light shining through us. It is a chance to understand that there is something far greater than what we can see with our eyes. There is something good, amazing, special, and beautiful within each of us. This is the very reason Jesus sacrificed Himself on the cross. He recognized the inherent worth in each of us — something so precious that it was worth dying for. Let us hold this truth close to our hearts, not only when we begin to doubt ourselves but also when others around us struggle with their own self-worth. Imagine if you could see yourself through God's eyes, as the magnificent person He created you to be. What would that look like? How can you strive to become the person God envisions for you? My prayer is that we recognize the value God places on each of us to know our true value. Amen.