Self-Worth
What is the self-worth of any individual? What is the self-worth of a human soul? Is self-worth a biblical concept? Is it wrong to think of yourself as valuable? These and other questions permeate the landscape of our society and in today’s church. Unfortunately, the concept of self-worth has slipped from important to indifferent in today’s world. Due to the rise in euthanasia, abortions, and other agents, self-worth is almost foreign to our generation. If we sat in a high school science class and learned that we are nothing but a blob of cells plopped together over a couple of trillion years, we may lose a right concept of self-worth, too. Our culture may say one thing, but the church must stand up and say another. Humans have self-worth. We have dignity. We are valuable. We are loved.
In today’s modern world, we hear nothing of the sort – only Orwellian speech designed to obscure and distort that which is true. To whom do we listen to obtain our value in life? We definitely should not listen to outside “noise.” We must turn to the Bible and read how God values the human race. There is hope for you, too! Turn off the TV. Put down your phone. Walk away from the computer. Our self-worth is found in that we are special in God’s eyes. How do I know this? I’m glad you asked.
God chose you. Jesus teaches, “Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” Without God, we are worthless. (Sorry!) Yet, through God’s eyes, we are valuable. Ephesians 1:4 clarifies, “just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love.” As the “elect of God”, we are chosen to walk in God’s glorious grace - not because of anything worthy in us, buy because He who is worthy has called us to walk in newness of life.
God loves you. Psalm 139:13 reminds, “For You formed my inwards parts.” Who did? God did, and He does not make mistakes! As John underlines, “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!” We are given this love to give to others. Romans 5:8 models for us this love in that “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
God has plans for you. Jeremiah 29:11 highlights, “For I know the plans I have for you…to give you a future and a hope.” If God cares for sparrows - one of the smallest birds, then how much more will He care for the pinnacle of His creation – you! Paul describes our self-worth in Ephesians 2:10: “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” You were created with God’s plan in mind. Therefore, you have purpose and design.
God delights in you. Psalm 18:19 reminds us, “He also brought me out into a broad place; He delivered me because He delighted in me.” You are His joy, His gladness, and His love. He delights in us because we delight ourselves in Him. Repeatedly, we are continuously reminded of how much God takes joy in our obedience and joy in Him
When the church looks at itself, they may see what the world sees: flesh, bones, DNA, etc. Yet, when the church views itself through God’s lens, they see they are loved, appreciated, cherished. Our self-worth comes not from what we do, but from Whose we are. Say it with me, “I am a child of God.” No frills. No excess. No makeup. Our worth as individuals comes solely from God’s choice to set His love upon us.
Matthew 11:28-30 encourages any (or all) who struggle with your self-worth to evaluate yourself through God’s eyes. Jesus reminds, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and My burden is light.” We have self-worth, not from ourselves, but from Who died for us. Jesus Christ, the King of Kings, died for you; that’s all the proof you need.