As I continue to hear words that reflect financial uncertainty such as recession, depression, and inflation, I wonder what a person’s investments are actually worth. Take our homes, for example. Even though there are experts that strive to accurately determine the current value of houses on the market, what determines what a house is actually worth?
Experts can use educated guesses and calculated estimates in determining the selling price of a home. But the truth is: the worth of a house is never based on the price people are asking for it. A house is always worth what someone will actually pay for it.
Parents, in the same way it is difficult for us to determine the value of things, it is challenging for many young people to realize their own self worth. What happens when our children try to determine their self worth based on the opinions of others who calculate value based on human standards? Because human standards are flawed, children who perceive their worth through a human perspective will most often value themselves to be less than their true self worth.
One of the most significant truths your child can ever embrace is that their life’s value is solely determined by what someone else is willing to pay for it. Romans 5:8 says: But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Help your young person understand that Jesus didn’t wait to determine our value until we achieved a particular position in life. He didn’t wait until we had developed a certain character trait, talent or behavior. He didn’t consider the clothes we wear, the friends we hang out with or our family connection. No, Jesus paid the greatest price for each of us, making our lives priceless to Him!
In what ways are you consistently confirming in your child his value to Christ?