Yo,
some observations i made recently on a person's worth and identity. I think we have a tendency to identify ourselves by the relationships and things in our lives that we value most. There are two ways in which a person or a thing can have value/importance: rarity and intrinsically.
A thing can be valuable by being rare - this is the case with gold, diamonds, or olympic level talent. In human terms this is usually achieved through diligent effort. A student achieves an A in the class - which, as shown by the infamous bell curve, is pretty rare - by studying. Athletes becomes the best at what they do by excelling beyond their peers. In this value system the more rare, the more capable, the more skilled the performance, the greater the value. In this way most people can gain recognition, value, and meaning through working hard - this is probably one of the most intoxicating and addicting part of our labours.
The second way is to have value intrinsically. This is value that isn't based on rarity or effort, it is value that can only be given by others. In other words the thing or person is valuable because someone else thinks of them as valuable. You can find better cars than my '95 green mitsubishi (named Eden) in almost any parking lot, yet I could never think to replace her until the day she dies on me because i have so many memories with that car, and have decided that she is important to me.
In our most treasured and valued relationships, I think our worth should be based on the intrinsic. We're valued because people who care about us believe us to be valuable. We're important to them because, in the same way, they're valuable to us. That value shapes our identity. It makes us proud/honoured to call ourselves this girl's father, or that person's friend. Love gives value to people and things.
We've all heard about how we should identify ourselves as sons and daughters of God. How does that work? When the worst of life hits you, what does being that "child of God" even mean? How do u make that matter or even to believe it? I think the way to feel valued in God's eyes is the same way you would feel valued in your family or friends eyes - by valuing Him. Value gives rise to value. God has decided since before time began that we were worth dying for, we already have intrinsic value (because He said so), each of us are worth one Son to God. But just like how so many young people would miss/ignore their parents' love by failing to value them in return - you will never believe yourself to be of value in God's eyes until you value Him.
Encouragement for the week, seek intrinsic instead of performance value with God and people. Whether life is awesome or the pits for you right now, value God in everything you do. Make much of Him, think of Him, praise and glorify Him - and feel the love of the Father as you delight in your identity as a child of God.
Have a Happy Wednesday!
Edward
"For where you treasure is, there your heart will be also" Luke 12:34
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son" John 3:16
Dolphins blowing bubble rings and playing w/ them
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DqgmYi_Dro&feature=related
No comments:
Post a Comment