Good morning:
What are you worth? A recently published article stated that the trace elements which make up the human body are only worth about a dollar. Of course, a life is more than just a combination of water, oxygen, and minerals. But can a value be determined for a specific life? Are some lives worth more than others? Are brilliant scientists worth more than those of us who are of ordinary intelligence? Are national leaders more valuable than an individual citizen? Does wealth make the person who owns it more valuable?
The world sees certain people as more important than others. Our sinful nature sees self as number one. But what matters most of all is God’s assessment. The Pharisees of Jesus’ time were sure they were far more precious in God’s eyes than the group they derisively termed “tax collectors and sinners.” The thought can easily creep into our minds too that God must think more of me because of all I do for my family or the church or the sacrifices I make to help others at work. But then what happens when we are not kind and loving, when we hurt and take advantage of others? Does our net worth plunge? The reality is that in God’s eyes, there is no difference among people at all. “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). All deserve nothing but punishment and eternal death.
But what is truly mind boggling is that even though we and all people are completely unworthy, we are of inestimable value to God! He says, “I have loved you with an everlasting love” (Jer. 31:3). We mean so much to Him that He was determined to save the world, even though it would mean punishing His only begotten Son in our place. “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 Jn. 4:10).
Remember, the God who values you so highly that He saved you from sin will certainly care for every earthly need too. Jesus says, “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?…The very hairs of your head are all numbered” (Matt. 6:26; 10:30).
Instead of trying to find worth in our imperfect efforts and in comparing ourselves with others, let’s look to our loving Lord. “He has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: ‘Let him who boasts boast in the Lord’” (1 Cor. 1:30-31).
Tomorrow’s sermon text (James 2:1-5, 8-10, 14-18) urges us to find worth and purpose to life in putting faith into practice in love for our neighbor.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor
Usual service times tomorrow: 8:00 and 10:45 a.m. Sunday school: 9:30 a.m. and Bible class at 9:45 a.m.
