Your Value

If you have been aware of the news lately, you may have noticed a lot of hatred and horrible acts of violence that are happening around us. It seems here lately that a lot of that violence has been directed toward people of faith, at the very least, those with conservative values. This may cause some to become fearful. Paul encouraged his young preacher Timothy with these words in II Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, (Fear) but of power and love and discipline.”

Those words sound good until the storms of hate rage around us, and we begin to experience all the venom the world can throw at us, and we feel alone. I want to share with you some words that I hope will bring you encouragement. Luke 12:4-7, “I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have no more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him! Are not five sparrows sold for two cents? Yet not one of them is forgotten before God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.” These are the words of our Lord to all who have chosen to be followers of Christ. First, we are challenged not to fear those who can take our physical lives. What is Jesus saying to us? That even though some may hate us, who would even like to take our lives, that is all they can do. They cannot take away our eternal salvation.

The fear that man should have is a healthy fear of God Almighty to judge, and those who are not in Christ will someday find themselves separated from God and man experiencing eternal punishment.

Jesus then gives us another reason not to fear, and that is because the Lord loves us and finds us valuable in His eyes. I have no answer for why this is, but Jesus said it, so it must be true. Jesus compares our value versus the value of birds. Jesus gives an example by reminding us how little it cost for five sparrows in that day for sacrifice, yet He says not one of them is forgotten in the sight of God. Now, if that is true, and it must be, how much more does God value you and me? Jesus puts an exclamation point to this truth by telling us that the hairs on our heads are counted. Now that I’ve gotten older, that may have become a lot easier for the Lord.

Jesus says that you and I are worth more than many sparrows. I think we all need to be reminded of how much we are loved and valued by our God. Even when it seems as though the darkness is surrounding us, we do not have to be afraid, for the battle is already won, and that can never be taken from us.