Value

I was having a talk with my cousin last night, and a good portion of our time was spent on our perceived value. It was kind of funny, actually. Talking to him, I learned of what my family (all the aunts and uncles) care about. To put this into context, he is non-Christian. My family are predominantly non-Christian, as well. To date, I count 1 Christian among the "adults", and 3 Christians among the "kids". I have a large extended family, so this amounts to probably less than 10%.

Anyways, we were talking about value. From the unbeliever's perspective, value can be defined by the individual. Although, most people let society tell them if they are valuable or not. My success as a person is related to how society perceives me. From this, I derive my value. What does society value? Money, Power, Looks, Fame, etc. People that are rich, or have power, or are attractive are held up as people to emulate and become.

Now, people will follow this perspective at varying degrees. Some, actually try to be an individual and shun the things that society values. Some (I still speak of the unbeliever) do seek different ways of living their lives. For instance, they could perform acts of charity. This is all fruitless. Their value is based off of something human. They idolize those that are perceived as awesome, and strive to make themselves idols to be worshiped. Again, and again...they will fail.

Money? You could go broke.
Power? Someone else is always bigger.
Looks? They fade.
Fame? Enjoy your 15 minutes.
Charity? For what purpose?

If we are to base our lives on meaningless human endeavours, we become slaves to it. Our happiness, our contentedness, our satisfaction with who we are will be subject to the ebbs and flow of that thing we attach ourselves to.

But, do not lose HOPE!

For those that believe in Jesus Christ (Jn 3:16, Acts 4:12, 1 Cor 15:3-4), we become his adopted sons and daughters (Rom 8:16, Gal 3:27). We are to live for God (Rom 12:1-2, 1 Cor 10:31), One who does not change (Heb 13:8, Jas 1:17). We are loved (Rom 8:35-39). And if we have any problems we are comforted (2 Cor 1:3-4), and we have Jesus who has gone through all things and advocates for us at the right hand of God (Heb 4:14-16). Our value is based off of God's grace, which does not have to be won or earned (Eph 2:8,9) lest we cheapen it. And as a product of that grace, a Christian responds in good works (Eph 2:10, John 15, Jas 2:26). I pray that for you believers out there, that you not take value in earthly things, but keep your mind on heavenly things (Col 3:1).

[And if any of us feel that need to boast.. I have a better job, have a hotter girlfriend, am ridiculously good looking... do as Paul said, boast in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Gal 6:14)]

As for my family, I know they value things like marriage and a stable income. They do not see the futility of it all. I pray that if it is in His will, that he will draw them to him (Jn 6:44).