Around 1663 the flower known as the tulip was brought to Europe from Central Asia. Think back to a time before the internet, before TV and cable, even before the phone. Yes, a simpler time, but there was still a need for excitement. In 1663, one of the most exciting things was the import of this flower. Remember, people had never seen this before. The colors and design were breathtaking and people’s desire for this new flower began to run rampant. The wealthy people began to display the tulip bulbs on mantles and have viewing parties for their wealthy friends. The value put on these flowers rose to ridiculous highs; a rare Semper Augustus Bulb could sell for $2,500 in current U.S. dollars.
Value is defined as the importance, worth, or the usefulness something or someone has. The problem when it comes to value is that it is a subjective term because an item that has a lot of value to you, may have no value to others.
My father and I love to buy and sell cars, and he taught me how to wheel and deal. One of the main things he taught me when buying or selling a car is that a car is only worth what someone is willing to pay. The dealership can ask any price, but the car is only worth what it sells for, not what it is listed at. The value is determined by the one who wants to buy it. That’s why you can see the market for a house, car, or even a flower go up and down. Over time, the value of something like a car depends on the care given, the current condition, and the demand for it. I always found this fascinating because some things, like gold and diamonds, withstand the test of time and will always be valuable, while other things, like the tulip or Beanie Babies, have lost value and are not worth what they used to be. How can you tell what is going to be valuable? Who has the right to determine that?
The reason I bring this up is because I was recently asked by a young woman who was struggling, “Why do I have no value? Why does no one see me as worth anything?” These questions broke my heart. As I listened, she continued to share how people in her life made her feel unwanted and unvaluable, people who should have been representing Christ. When she finished sharing, I paused for a moment and just asked a simple question, “Who determines your value?” As she thought, I could see that she was struggling to come to a conclusion. “Other people, I guess. Right?” I told her the same thing I am going to tell you because I believe someone reading this today needs to fully understand this and, more importantly, to believe this: your value is only what someone is willing to pay.
Galatians 3:13 says, “Christ bought us with His blood and made us free from the Law….”
The world tries to put price tags on your dignity, your character, your beliefs, your morals, and even your opinion of yourself. The enemy will always try to get you to see yourself through his eyes and the point of view of the fallen world we live in. They try to evaluate and determine your worth and then force it on you. The enemy will always try to destroy what God has designed. The crazy part, though, is that the enemy is not a buyer; he has never purchased one soul. He does not have the authority to do so because the enemy has nothing to buy you with. The devil promises things that will never happen and he gives false hope in a future and happiness that will never come. So, regarding being able to determine your value, the devil can’t.
However, Jesus thought of you and paid the ultimate price. Not only was God willing to pay the price so that we can receive grace, but He also made us. The One who makes the creation is the one who can assign its value. This is something we tend to forget. The world calls out to us so many times and in such a loud voice that it can be the only thing we listen to. We just go along with what we hear the world say even though it goes against what God says. If you are struggling with the question “Am I worth anything?” I will ask you the question Jesus asked, “Who are you asking?” If you ask society, Facebook, or Instagram, you are going to be told a lie or a watered-down version of the truth. This is because the enemy does not want you believing the truth.
Hebrews 10:35-39 states “So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For, “In just a little while, he who is coming will come and will not delay.” And “But my righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back.” But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.”
Take it from God, you do not belong to those who have sin and are fallen. If you live your life for man, you will never be good enough and you will always be wanting. But if you put your faith in Jesus, He will give you life. He will teach you and guide you in righteousness. He will fulfill His promises and reward those who persevere through attack. I encourage you today, let go of every opinion and value that has been placed on you by anyone or anything that is not God. Read His Word and see what the Almighty says about you, and let that be your guide. Let His perfect love be how you see yourself.
