Intrinsic Value

Currencies have value because people say they do.  A piece of paper with a picture of some dead guy (or lady) and a number has value because people will accept it in exchange for other similar pieces of paper or for goods and services.  Now we even have bitcoin, which is a made-up currency for the digital age. People have value because God says we do. Our value is derived from the value God Himself has placed in and on us.  If we are designed to be God’s human representations, what does that mean for you and me?

Genesis 1:27

So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him, both male and female.

Things to think about:

·       In light of this, there are obviously tremendous implications for us as Christians. This study will not do justice to the topic but I hope there are some important takeaways for us.

Your Value to God

·      Your value is not based on people’s opinion of you, your achievements, your assets, or your “goodness”

o   Which of these do you think people tend to look to?

o   Is there something you used to rely on for your worth?

·      What is it about being made in God’s image that connotes value?

·      How do you see your value in the context of His love, mercy, grace, sacrifice, and resurrection power?

·      2 Corinthians 4:4  - The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 

o   Paul identifies the image of God with Jesus Christ, so as we think about what it means for us to reflect God’s image, we should turn our attention to Jesus, doing our best to embody His ideals in every aspect of our lives. (from John Adair, cited here)

Your View of Others

·      ALL men are created in the image of God, not just the people we like or who are like us

o   How does seeing the value God places on others affect how you see them?

§  2 Peter 3:9 - The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

§  Matthew 7:1-5 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

Your Vocation

·      The word vocation has its roots in the Latin for “calling”.  As God’s human representation, we are called to embody His qualities.

o   1 Peter 1:16 – “Be holy for I am holy”

o   Luke 6:36 – “Be merciful as I am merciful.”

o   1 John 4:7-8 - Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 

·      How does this high calling we have to see ourselves and others in God’s image challenge you and inspire you?

·      All human life has value.  How we live our lives says much about the value we place on our lives. Let us pray to see the intrinsic value all people have and act accordingly.