Value

This has been a topic that has come up a lot recently. Whenever something comes up repeatedly in my life I have learned to pay attention. It usually is something that God is trying to teach me. Sometimes - okay most times - it takes numerous attempts on His part to even get me to turn my head. But I am getting better. :)

Value. What am I worth? Do I believe that I have value? What gives value to the people around me? Do I think that they are worth anything? Is there a scale for value and worth that I am allowed to dish out as I see fit - even when it comes to myself? How do I treat people - and how does that affect their sense of worth or value? Back to the question do I believe that I have value - and how does that belief whatever it is affect the way I live my life?

Good questions. I would say that for most of my life I have not believed that I have value. I have spent most of my life being a people pleaser - always living in fear that if I don't do the right thing that someone won't like me. Which tells me that I don't believe that I have value as a person. Just me, Liz - who I am. That I am not good enough. That I have to prove it. I would say that in the past few years I have gotten better at the whole people pleasing thing - thanks to some good rounds of counseling! :) But what about that deep down belief? Has that changed at all?

Recently I had to look up the word "redemption" in the dictionary for a Bible study that I am in. (Side note: for those of you vocab snobs - you would be pleased to know that I have purchased a pocket dictionary and I carry it around with me most of the time b/c I am so drawn to knowing and understanding words. I think myself very silly for this - but maybe I am getting a little smarter! Couple that with my fake glasses - I could fool just about anyone!) One of the definitions of redemption in my dictionary said "to convert into something of value." It felt like a literal defining moment for me. God's redemptive act of dying on a cross for me - converted me into something of value. It isn't what I do or say - it is the value that God has given to me b/c of what he did! What HE did! And there is nothing I can or cannot do to change that. How beautiful and amazing is that?!

Since I read that, God has slowly been working on my deeply held beliefs about myself. He has been replacing the lies that I have believed for so long - with the Truth of His Word. He has also changed my thinking about those around me. I have no right to pick and choose who I give value to. Everyone is equal b/c Jesus died for them too - in turn giving them value. So although, at times, it seems like a really long process, He is changing the way I see others. Helping me to give people the time of day b/c they are worth it.

Anyway - lots more thinking to all of this - but don't want to go on and on. Let me know what you think!