Value. Everything has a value associated with it. Physical stuff has monetary value. People have value as well – as determined by ourselves or those around us.
Mike Pehrson, founder of HisClay Ministries, spoke about the pursuit of value at Alpha Sunday night. He shared the formula: V=P+O, that is, Value=Performance+Others’ Opinions of Us. We derive our value from how well we do at work or on a project and how others respond to our performance. Others assess our value based on our performance. It’s the equivalent of a person’s monetary worth.
Think about an employer-employee relationship. Your employer assigns a monetary value to you, your position and your time. It’s your salary. You perform better in your boss’s estimation, you receive a bigger raise or bonus. Your value has increased.
The inverse is also true. If we make a mistake, which we all do, our value decreases in our own eyes and the eyes of others. We get caught up in a never-ending cycle. We’re constantly pushing ourselves and creating the unrealistic expectation of perfection. The pursuit of value often leads to burnout.
What’s the answer? Changing the formula, as Pehrson did about eight years ago when he became a Christian. A day away from signing divorce papers, a coworker convinced him to give God a chance to heal his marriage and his personal drive for status and wealth. He now defines his value in Christ alone. V=Christ.
You see, Christ loves us no matter what we’ve done or what we will do. He doesn’t care how much money is in our bank account. We don’t need a bigger house, a newer car or more well-behaved children to be of greater value to Christ. His love for us never falters. Our value is worth more than Jesus’ own human life. How can any worldly pursuit be more valuable than that?
If you’re tired of the rat race, get off the treadmill. Stop seeking approval from others and look to Jesus for your value. Put him first in your life.
Matthew 6:33: Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. (NLT)
November 14th, 2009
HISCLAY FATHER/SON/DAUGHTER BREAKFAST EVENT
“Lean On Me”
Speaker: Paul Molitor
Former Gopher Great & Major League Baseball Hall of Famer
Location: Holiday Inn
Lakeville, MN
Time: 7:00 am – 9:00 am
Full breakfast served.
Cost: $20 per person (pay at door)
Amy, thanks for all the writings. I’ve enjoyed these and look forward to more. Terry.