February 10th, 2023 | VALUE

God is not asking us to be able. He’s asking us to be faithful.​
What is ability based on?

What is faithfulness based on?

Our VALUE must be defined by our FAITH and FAITHFULNESS in knowing God -- not our ABILITY and what we define in ourselves.

“For God so loved (valued) the world, that He gave (worth) His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life.” 
John 3:16

“An excellent woman [one who is spiritual, capable, intelligent, and virtuous], who is he who can find her? Her value (God loves you) is more precious than jewels and her worth (through Jesus) is far above rubies or pearls.”
Proverbs 31:10

BIBLE VERSES: Genesis 1:27 Luke 12:7 : John 3:16
VALUE (noun):

• the regard that something is held to deserve; the importance, worth, or usefulness of something
• a person's principles or standards of behavior; one's judgment of what is important in life.

{ Black Licorice }

Around my birthday my sister will send me a large box of Jelly Bellys. There are 40 different flavors included and I am eager to try all of them -- except for black licorice. I’ve personally never been a fan. Those poor beans. I’ve never been so happy to throw something away. However, one sulky, sad day as I was reaching for the flavor next to it I thought to myself, “I feel unwanted too.”

That was all it took for a heart problem to form. I questioned my value in this life while undergoing a struggling circumstance and I allowed thoughts in my mind to question God’s love for me. I sat there perplexed at the thought that such a small bean could destroy me in this way until I felt a small tug on my heart to do some research on licorice. 

I discovered that licorice root has not only been used for candies but was used for centuries for its medical benefits. It benefits your stomach, respiratory system, reduces stress, protects your skin and teeth, and has even been used to aid in cancer treatments. How can something so unwanted and unloved offer so much life to our bodies?

The truth is, our worth and value are not measured by how we feel.

Despite the days and feelings that come and go, the value God has created in each one of us as His children will not expire or disappear. We are created in His image (imago dei) and when we choose to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30-31), the Bible says we are new creations in Jesus and can begin to understand all He has purposed us in that image and that we are valued and worth far more than anything the world has to offer. 

We can wake up one day and physically feel ill but our value will remain. Someone may treat us poorly and break our hearts, but our worth will remain intact. 

Know (the Bible and its evidence) and trust (by faith) that your value comes from God and not this world.


Video: Your Value by Jeremy Anderson


RESPONSE:
What’s the difference between a heart problem and a sin problem?
Is questioning okay? Is it Biblical?
In what ways have you allowed yourself to question your value?
Read Mark 12:30-31. Why do you believe Jesus makes a list to love God with your heart, soul, mind, and strength? What is the purpose in Him defining each category?
What are things you value in your life? How can they point you to Jesus?