Knowing Your Value to God

Knowing Your Value to God Devotional Reading and Podcast

In 2016, I took a wrong turn and discovered an indoor antique flea market. Although my interest was piqued, I could not risk returning late from my lunch break. I anticipated spending my lunch hour the next day looking at antiques. That evening, I prepared a carry-to-work lunch for the next day. With only 50 minutes to browse, I would have to make another visit after work later that week to complete my goal. My plan was to learn the skills of recognizing valuable antique accessories and wooden furniture.

When I entered the market, I was mesmerized by the layout and display of the furniture and accessories. The aesthetic beauty was phenomenal. Each seller was given a space that was uniquely and artistically arranged and decorated. Yet, the sellers were not present. The building owners greeted me with a smile and explained the process for purchasing items. The items for sale had a tag with the booth number and price. If I was interested, the owner would contact the seller by phone and conduct the sale. At the end of our conversation, she told me that most prices were negotiable–it doesn’t hurt to ask.

With extensive research, I learned what makes antique furniture valuable. Furniture is influenced by 6 criteria: its age, its workmanship, its style, its condition, the quality of its materials, and its general aesthetic–well-made and beautiful. I intended to learn by studying every detail of vintage furniture during my breaks and the one hour after work every week.

For six months, I made weekly visits to look, touch, and examine beautiful antique furnishings. Not only did I learn and gain the knowledge and skills of identifying valuable antiques, but I also purchased 3 pieces at a negotiated price that are still in excellent condition.

If a monetary value can be placed on inanimate objects, then God must place a priceless value on humanity! Do you know your worth?

“And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26).

“For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.” (Psalm 139:13-14).

Every day individuals increase their knowledge daily by learning technical skills, achieving academic degrees, and developing their innate creativity and talents. Those who include God will live well-rounded, productive lives and not only enjoy a life-work balance, we also receive His many blessings.

The exclusion of God severely limits our possibilities to receive and enjoy spiritual prosperity and have optimal spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical health. Sadly, many believers in 2023 are unhappy. The plague of the Devil’s Ds–despondency, discouragement, and depression is making them feel trapped and oppressed.

The increasing number of people with mental and emotional distress is so prevalent that finding friends and family members with a healthy mindset and a positive outlook are challenging. They go through the motions daily, but fail to achieve vibrant, happy lives.

Not having a relationship with Christ produces consequences. When we lack knowledge of the Scriptures which explains God’s character, we do not understand the love and value God places on our lives. Self-reliance causes us to veer off the Path of Righteousness and begin a journey God never intended for us to take–a life of hopelessness without plans or purpose.

King David tells us, “God Has Perfect Knowledge of Man”

“LORD, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps.” (Jeremiah 10:23)

Choosing to live without God’s direction and Divine intervention prevents us from receiving the spiritual gifts of peace and contentment nor will we have an explicit purpose for our lives. Humanity was not created just to exist. We were not made in God’s image to put all our time, effort, and energy into a job or career.

Dedicating oneself to an employer or engaging in frivolous activities will never produce mental, emotional, and spiritual growth and development which explains the escalating number of human brokenness in today’s society.

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

Even if we choose not to serve God, we can never change the fact that being created in the image of God gives us a lifelong spiritual connection to God. Without a relationship with Christ, our perception of God is inaccurate. Many view God as harsh and unloving because he gives us too many restrictions.

In John chapter 14, verses 1-3, Jesus says that He will prepare a heavenly place for the righteous. God’s plan is for us to live eternally [with Him] in a perfect, sinless world. Yet, our reward is conditional. We cannot offer our version of sacrifice to God by blending worldliness and holiness in our earthly lives.

God has righteous standards that He expects us to obey. We require the guidance and teaching of the Holy Spirit to have the structure and discipline to live spiritually prosperous lives. “…Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am Holy” (Leviticus 19:20).

God defined humanity’s status: “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light…” (1 Peter 2:9).

With the gift of a sound mind, we accept whom God says we are and discard the worldview that says money and success define our worth. Having faith and trust in God, our thoughts change. Through prayer, we dedicate ourselves and involve God in every aspect of our lives. Daily we strive for a close relationship with Jesus Christ, achieved with a heart of praise and gratitude.

Our steadfast commitment [even in times of hardship] produces confidence and courage because we have the assurance that our Heavenly Father desires our earthly lives to be full of love, peace, and joy. And God says, “We are worth it!”

Bible Study: Psalm 139

Prayer: God, we pray for the many individuals who exclude you from their lives. We realize that we cannot live our best lives without Your Divine intervention and daily blessings. Lord, we commit our hearts and lives to Your plans. Thank You for providing the spiritual path that leads to a purpose-driven life. Forgive us for our sins. We desire the blessings of peace, joy, contentment, and spiritual prosperity that only come for You. We ask this prayer in the Worthy name of Jesus. Amen.