Value In Being

But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:8 esv

We live in a world that values accomplishment. Our accomplishments are often rewarded in recognition, money, objects, or titles. Sometimes it can seem impossible to get anywhere without some proof of achievement—proof to the world that we are valuable.

What happens when, through no fault of our own, we can no longer “achieve”? What happens when our depression overtakes us to the point that completing basic household chores is a monumental feat?

From a practical standpoint, if the to-do list seems overwhelming, consider tackling it a different way:

• Don’t clean the house, just take the trash out.
• Don’t do all the laundry, just separate by color and pick one pile.
• Don’t run all the errands, go to one store and pick up the necessities.

But if depression is leading to a self-esteem struggle and we find ourselves wondering if we are no longer a valued member of society, we must shove those lies aside and re-center on the truth: Because we are made in the image of God, we have value. God created our body, soul, and spirit with a care to detail greater than the most complex painting or the intricate parts of a leaf. God loves us with an unending, all-encompassing love.

The value of something is determined by the price that is paid. The price paid for us was Jesus’ life. Setting aside all else, that fact alone sets upon us the highest value imaginable. We are valuable because God chose to make us so.

No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.

Eleanor Roosevelt

We are what we believe we are.

C. S. Lewis

Never bend your head. Always hold it high. Look the world straight in the face.

Helen Keller

For Further Reflection

Psalm 139:13–16; Ephesians 2:4–9; 1 Corinthians 6:20

Today’s Prayer

“Lord, when I feel that what I’m doing is insignificant and unimportant, help me to remember that everything I do is significant and important in your eyes, because you love me and you put me here, and no one else can do what I am doing in exactly the way I do it.” —Brennan Manning