There are many news reports about organizations of all shapes and sizes having their data hijacked. This results in them having to pay a ransom to retrieve it and restore their business. Let me just say that these ransoms are usually quite hefty.
Yet, they are being paid. Why? Because without their data, companies can go out of business in a nanosecond. Kaput. Over. In short, their data is worth every penny they can afford.
Recently, in a conversation with a friend of my daughter’s, the topic of worth came up as we discussed the trials and tribulations of dating in the 21st century. As I advised her not to settle for anything less than God’s best, her response was “But am I worthy?”
The mama bear rose up in me as I quickly retorted: “Of course you are!!”
This got me to thinking…I wonder how many people have this same question. In this age of identity crisis, do people truly understand how much they are worth? How valued they are?
It can be easy to doubt our worth if we’ve experienced loss of some kind. Questions swirl in our minds about why we were not valued enough by our employer or partner to keep.
Yet therein lies the root of the problem. We are looking to the things of this world to define our worth and value and that my friend is a big fat mistake. No one or nothing will value you more than your Creator, your Father in heaven.
Here it is in black and white (ok, purple but you get it!)
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16 NKJV)
God so loved the world…that means He loved everyone. Everyone! Every person ever created since Adam to today, God loves. So if you’re alive right now, that includes YOU! God loves YOU!
And…out of that love, He sent His one and only Son to die for everyone’s sins. Everyone. That’s you and me! That’s your neighbor. That’s the co-worker or family member you may not get along with. Everyone includes everyone.
That’s how much you are worth to God.
People may not see your worth and value, but God sure does! And He paid the highest ransom ever paid for you. Why? He doesn’t want heaven to be without you.
Pretty amazing, yes? It’s called amazing grace. Even though we don’t always do the right thing or act in the best way, God still loves us. He still wants us to be part of His family. He’ll never disown us or kick us to the curb.
“I will not leave you orphans.” (John 14:18 NKJV)
“And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.” (Deuteronomy 31:8 NKJV emphasis mine)
“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?” (Matthew 6:26 NKJV emphasis mine)
So next time you question how much you are worth, don’t look to the world. Look up! Look up to your Father in heaven who sees you as priceless.