Invaluable
One of the questions posed by Pastor Ben this past Sunday was, “What do we value?” Agree or not, it’s pretty obvious what our society holds in high esteem: success, power, knowledge, attractiveness, prestige. This list is not inclusive, and it is not just a 21st century issue. The temptation to value the wrong things in life has been happening since Adam and Eve. What we see as important is what we follow. What we desire is what we pursue.
When we value things of this world, we are often dissatisfied with the result. Consider:
The child who yearns for the latest toy but quickly loses interest.
The promotion that was chased but turns out to be miserable.
The plan that looks perfect on paper but doesn’t play out well in real life.
Jesus knows we can get caught up in earthly things, so He reminds us in Matthew 6: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven…For where your treasure is there your heart will be also”.
Paul knew this concept. If there was ever a Biblical character to model when it comes to having properly placed values, it is Paul.
Throughout his New Testament writings we see that Paul understood the benefits of following the Lord. He valued discernment, as evidenced by his insistence on keeping false teachers out of the church and on staying true to the Gospel. And he valued brotherhood, building trust through transparency and passing on wisdom and advice.
As we read in 2 Timothy 4, we even see Paul going as far as placing value on death. As he wrote letters to Timothy, Paul knew his days were numbered. He desired the “promise of life that is Christ Jesus” and viewed death as simply a door to a much better place. He pursued heaven and placed little to no value on the world, other than spreading the Gospel as far as he could.
Paul wasn’t the only one who understood what to value. In Matthew 26, we read about a woman who had a very expensive ointment in an alabaster flask. Scripture says she poured it on Jesus’s head as an anointing, and as she did, the disciples became angry. They thought she could’ve sold the ointment and used the money to help the poor. But Jesus knew better. This woman valued Jesus over the monetary value of the oil, and she demonstrated it in a tangible way.
God doesn’t tell us that we can’t get excited over new things, but He knows how quickly dissatisfaction enters the scene. He wants us to tether our hearts to Him and His promises so that we can instead be filled with lasting peace.
How He wishes…
That the father would value the relationship with his children more than the drink in his hand
That the wife would value her husband and the gift of marriage more than the diamond
That the celebrity would value their position to give to others more than the admiration they receive
That the child would value the time with grandma more than the toys she brings
God knows we will eventually become what we value so He wants our focus to be on eternity! He wants us to put all of our eggs in the basket of heaven, so to speak. He knows the rewards of this life are insignificant and fleeting compared to the crown we will receive when we stand before Him.
To honestly consider what we value is challenging and convicting, but necessary. Can we agree with Paul in Acts 20:24 when he states, “(But) I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”
If we hold too tightly to the things of this world, to our lives here on earth, we will miss the fullness of God’s plan. We will miss our opportunities to bless and be blessed. When we value God above all else, we change. Our hearts become aligned with His purposes. Instead of striving for ourselves, we strive to bring others into a knowledge of and relationship with Him.
What does that look like?
Maybe it’s serving at a food bank or sharing the Word with an unbelieving co-worker.
Maybe it’s saying “no” to a vacation and “yes” to a missions trip.
Maybe it’s giving up a meal to fast and pray, asking God how He wants you to move.
Our ultimate role model is Jesus. He came to serve, not to be served. His life was a direct reflection of His values. He valued us enough to give all of Himself, completely, holding nothing back…all the way to the cross.
~ Tara Dye is a longtime member of LIFE Fellowship. She and her husband Paul have three children.