Our Worth
My worth is not in skill or name. In win or lose, in pride or shame. But in the blood of Christ that flowed at the cross. Keith & Kristyn Getty
On a battlefield, over one thousand years before the birth and crucifixion of Jesus Christ, a battle is being fought between the Philistine army and Saul’s army. Suddenly, a roar is heard from the Philistine camp, terrifying the Israelites. The roar emanates from Goliath, a three-metre-tall giant, wearing an intimidating battle array. At that moment, a young boy named David is visiting his brothers in their encampment to bring them food and check on their well-being. David is curious about this giant who is instilling such fear and dread into the hearts of Israel’s army. He questions the soldiers because he doesn’t understand why they are terrified when God is on their side. His oldest brother pulls him aside. He berates him and accuses him of pride and deceit. He orders him to go back to tending their father’s sheep instead of bothering them (1 Samuel 17:4-28)
When David hears his brother’s accusations, he had a choice. He could accept the accusations or reject them. David knew that God wanted to use him mightily, even as a young boy. He knew his worth was not bound up in what he did. He knew that the label they placed on him as a shepherd boy was not who he really was. Rather, his worth was based on who God says he is – a mighty warrior, a man after God’s own heart. He knew that the Lord of heaven’s armies could use him to defeat the arrogant Philistine (1 Samuel 17:45).
Christ Has Made Us Worthy
Our self-worth is not bound up in what people think or say about us. It is not bound up in what we own, our wealth, our profession, our reputation, our gifts and talents, our achievements. Our worth comes from the precious blood of Jesus that flowed on the cross. The precious blood that took away our unworthiness and made us worthy. His worthiness sets us free from clinging to things that have no eternal value. Things that are here today and gone tomorrow. It sets us free from clinging to treasure that rots and decays.
Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21 (NKJV)
So let our hearts rejoice in Jesus Christ, who made himself to be nothing (Philippians 2:7-8) so that we could gain a treasure of great worth.
My worth is what I am worth to God, and that is a marvellous great deal, for Christ died for me. William Temple
Reflection:
Take time to think about the treasures you are clinging to that have no eternal value.
Prayer:
Forgive me, Lord, if I have allowed my self-worth to be attached to the things of this world. I reject the labels that this world puts on me. Help me to find my treasure, my worth in You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
