CrossTies Devotional Articles

May 6, 2009



Introduction

Self-esteem, self-image, self-worth. No matter how it's worded, there's a
lot of talk today about the value of any particular person. It deserves
some thought. Dig in and think about this timely subject.


What Are You Worth?
By Bill Denton

13For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother's womb. 14I will
give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are
Your works, And my soul knows it very well. 15My frame was not hidden from
You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the depths of the
earth - Psalm 139:13-15, NASB95

The value of art is determined by the quality of the work, by who the artist
is, and by what the art "says."
. . . You are valuable for the same reasons. The most fantastic Artist of
all time - God Himself - made you. You're greater than any art of machine
man has made. - Lois Dodds, "How Do I Look From Up There?". p. 13

We live in an age in which self-esteem has been exalted to place and
prominence that is possibly unknown in any other historical period. It uses
a faulty system to judge the value of a person, and causes some to think
that they deserve extra special pampering.

From a biblical point of view, every human being is born possessing great
value. Each one is the result of God's own work. David's psalm sees God's
hand involved in forming his physical body, and a result of God's keen
interest in the life being formed. Whether one views human life as a work
of art, or as something else, it is, in fact, a creative work, and the
Creator cannot be matched.

This does something important for every human being, that is rapidly coming
to be lost on many people. Every human possesses an innate worth, a value,
that reflects more on the Creator than on the one created. Humans look at
other humans, and we use an odd mix of reasoning to determine who has value
and who does not. Does a malformed baby have worth, or only the
sparkly-eyed, curly-headed beauty winner? Must every child come into the
world qualifying for Mensa, or do those children with learning or mental
disabilities also have worth? Are the homeless worth less than the
billionaire businessman? Human life has a value of its own because it is a
creation of God, as imperfect as it may be, and as much of a struggle as it
may require to survive in this world of ours.

That does not change the very real fact that not all human beings come into
the world with the same abilities and talents. It does not change the fact
that some people will squander the many talents they have, while others will
work overtime to achieve where there is little reason for them to do so.
Once born, a person must still make use of whatever skills or capacities God
has made possible. This is where the current discussion over self-esteem
sometimes goes haywire.

You have worth. You're born with it. You are a creation of God, and from
the throne of heaven itself, God has declared his love and care for you.
You don't need to do anything to deserve God's love, for the truth is that
God's love comes with becoming a human being. Sinner or saint, your Creator
God has placed his own stamp of value on you. Never hang your head with the
thought that you are not worth anything for that is simply not true.

On the other hand, what are you doing with your life? If you waste it,
don't think you get to insist that because you have worth that other people
must ignore the waste. You can own a valuable piece of art, but if you toss
it in a dusty corner of the basement, or junk it to the county landfill,
don't be surprised if someone points out that you are wasting something
valuable. In fact, this may be the very thing some need to hear. God can
create people of great value, but He has also invested in His creation the
ability to self-determine what they will be. So, valuable piece of divine
art that you are, what's becoming of you?

C Copyright 2009, Dr. Bill Denton
All Rights Reserved



Bible Study
Fearfully And Wonderfully Made
Thinking Through Psalm 139
By Bill Denton

My favorite Psalm is number 139. Well, at least it rates right up there at
the top of the list, but I do like it very much. Today's Bible study
requires you to do some thinking and writing.

First, read Psalm 139. Then write a paragraph answering the following
questions. Don't opt for simplistic, obvious answers. Think. Then write.
A half-page answer for each question is well within reach.

1. How well does God know you?



2. Why is it useless to try to escape from God?



3. How intimately did the psalmist think God was involved in forming his
body? How involved do you think God was involved in forming you?



4. Why are God's thoughts precious?



5. For what purpose did the writer desire for God to examine his heart and
thoughts? How open are you to God knowing your heart and mind? What do you
hope is the result?



C Copyright 2009, Dr. Bill Denton
All Rights Reserved