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What are we Worth?

The bible tells us not to think too highly of ourselves (Rom 12:3). People like the convenience of superficial thinking. As a result, one can think of himself in terms of worth, that he is superior or even inferior. The Germans in the 1930s were presented with the idea that they were “superior” because they were German. This caused all sorts of problems.

More than an isolated historical anomaly, distorted thinking can be seen in most high schools. One who is accepted into the popular group may think of himself as naturally superior. Another who is excluded from the group might think of himself as inferior.

Specific value is often gauged in the employment marketplace. Even the Germans saw specific value in those “inferior” for the work they could produce as slaves. The determination of “worth” depends on who is doing the measuring and what criteria is being applied. The Industrial Revolution brought a view of labor as a factory commodity. The urban society that followed also saw human value increasingly in terms of utility. This was in contrast to the familial (relational) as opposed to societal (utilitarian) valuation of people.

In a family you are loved for who you are. In a society, you are more valued for what you can do. Familial love is often replaced using the same word “love” to refer to the transient sensations associated with romantic or physical “love”. People who have physical attractiveness, wealth, power, fame, or influence are seen as worth pursuing because a societal relationship might satisfy personal desires and ambitions.

As families decrease in both depth and breadth, societal valuations seem ascendant. However, for the Christian, being assessed as “worth less” in terms of societal evaluation can be beneficial. Not being a target for predators can have value. Familial relationships tend to show more selflessness. Societal relationships tend to be more consumptive. Christians placed into the body of Christ can have a familial relationship with each other even if they do not even speak the same language.

To God, those who have been set aside for him (the saints) there is a precious value (Ps 116:15). For the Christian who is better able to see the world and others as God sees them (in truth), there can be sadness for those chasing societal acceptance as well as the freedom from a desire to be accepted (valued by them).

One effect of hypocrisy might be considered to be puffed up with a sense of self-delusional pride. The Pharisees thought their works had earned them value. The Sadducees thought they were born into positions of value. The Herodians thought their royal and political connections gave them value. However, with God, they had no value. The Christian has access to true riches, faithfulness, honesty, wisdom, truth, self-sacrificial love, and humility. These qualities make one less attractive to those following the course of the world, but to God and Christians mature in faith, these qualities can make one very attractive.

And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. - Philippians 1:9-11

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