1st Peter 1:18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.
It’s amazing to see the many and various ways folks are valued in modern society. In some instances, it’s what one has or has accomplished in life that would cause their valuation to go up, in the estimation of the world. In other cases, the color of one’s skin is the measure used to valuate a person.
In other instances, wealth, reputation, education, political standing, and celebrity status all contribute to a person’s value as far as society goes. There are also good deeds that play a role in how a person is valued, for in the world’s measure, heroic acts that are accomplished, including those feats done during the Olympics, all contribute, some more, some less to the esteem placed on individuals.
As a result of the way persons are valued, as far as the world is concerned, inequities are inevitable, for the various valuations would render some persons as being eligible for favoritism, while others would be more vulnerable to mistreatment.
For instance, in some communities, one would have to pay much higher insurance or interest rates than in other well to do neighborhoods. It was found that in the distribution of funds during the pandemic, big businesses were more favored to receive payouts in front of the smaller fledgling Mom and Pops shops.
Wealth and influence were leveraged in such a way as to take care of the so-called more important first, and then, whatever remained would trickle down to those inferiors on the lower echelons of the totem pole.
The same thing took place during the market crash of 2008 as billions of dollars were forked over to the big banks, while persons who had defaulted on their mortgages were left holding the proverbial bag.
At that time, it was the stated hope of officials that the financial institutions who had benefitted greatly from government spending would now show mercy to borrowers.
But lo and behold, after raking in the lion share of government funds, some of those very institutions turned around and choked borrowers with an iron fist, by which millions lost their homes.
There are certain neighborhoods across the country where just to get in, it is almost like applying for an F.B.I clearance, while in other neighborhoods angels and U.F.Os could pay a visit, and no one would even bat an eye. It all has to do with the way individuals are valued by society.
What took place over the years in Flint Michigan with the drinking water, would never have occurred in more affluent neighborhoods like Star Island and Aventura. Even the roads in some communities are actively manifesting these glaring disparities which exist in society, for rough surfaces and potholes are left unaddressed in some, while others are paved and repaved for apparently no reason.
But when it comes to salvation, every person is on a level playing field before God, with no consideration being given to caste, race, wealth, or reputation as it is in the world. In fact, God instructed His people not to indulge in favoritism in any form, for He is a God of equity, and all persons have the same value on account of what Christ has done on Calvary.
Thus, because of the way God values a person, He has given specific instructions in His word so that we too may follow His lead. Several passages in the scripture address the issue of valuating persons on the basis of what God has created and redeemed, and it will do us well to observe some of the verses which treat on the issue. Let’s read:
Acts 10:34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons.
35 But in every nation he that fears him, and works righteousness, is accepted with him.
Deuteronomy 16:18 Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the Lord thy God giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment.
19 Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.
20 That which is altogether just shalt thou follow…
Leviticus 19:15 Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbor.
Deuteronomy 1: 17 Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; but ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man….
If anyone living in Liberty city would have dared to take any classified government documents to their home, they would have been handcuffed and would be sitting in jail long ago. But modern society’s way of valuating persons allows certain individuals who might have wealth, and connections to run free for many years, with impunity.
Again, justice is often meted out based on the color of one’s skin, for if it was any different person who had done the unthinkable, in that infamous mass school shooting in Florida it’s quite possible that the death penalty would have been handed down in no uncertain terms.
Therefore, we must address the issue of valuating a person on the basis of what the Bible instructs us to do, for by doing so, we would avoid many of those pitfalls, temptations, and societal burdens which do hang like an Albatross around the necks of many.
Several distinct points on the issue would be made, with the supporting scriptures, so that all may stand free and clear in the liberty that Christ has gotten us on Calvary. A noble self-worth based upon the Bible is not only necessary, but also healthy, if we are to live independently of what the world, and society deems valuable.
We will begin with some of the more common, and state of the art misconceptions which have crept in over the years, that the world makes much of, then we will dwell on the scriptural methods of valuing a person, as it pertains to reality in God’s sight.
[1] The standards of the world, as far as outward appearance goes, does not give a person one iota of value in the sight of God, nor in reality.
All of the so-called must haves, as pertains to one’s outward appearance, are a nothing burger as far as one’s valuation goes. Tattoos, outward adornment, and the whole nine yards of “blings” and things do not add one percentage of value to a person.
According to the scripture the Christian is to cherish godly principles of decency, cleanliness, and most of all, a charitable, kind spirit, that stands free of those eccentrics that are mandated in the social realm, in order for persons to be accepted.
When persons get bogged down with the latest fashions and societal must haves, they can become slaves of society’s mode of thought and action, and consequently, one can begin to feel inferior, or not accepted and valued, if they are not bowing to the prevailing fashion god.
The problem with the “In Thing” is that it is always going through a metamorphosis, so that what is in today would be out tomorrow. And therefore, if a person feels accepted or valued, based upon their subscription to the in thing, they would soon find themselves in the unfortunate situation of having to constantly succumb to the winds of change. Let’s read:
1st Peter 3: 3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves …..
Jeremiah 4: 30 And when thou art spoiled, what wilt thou do? Though thou clothe thyself with crimson, though thou deck thee with ornaments of gold, though thou rent thy face with painting, in vain shalt thou make thyself fair; thy lovers will despise thee, they will seek thy life.
[2] Body building, big muscles, six pack abs, body sculpting, and figure eights do not add any value to any person; not in God’s sight, and not in reality.
Now brethren we will want you to not only consider what is being said, but also by whom it is being said. Exercise is good on several different levels, for it is a known fact that it can stave off many diseases, and ailments, especially as persons approach the golden years.
In addition, it’s actually a part of the health message which includes diets, and foods, water, faith in God, sunshine and yes, regular exercise etc. But in reality, the truth of the matter is that with all of a man’s big muscles and with all of one’s body sculpting a man’s or a woman’s value does not go either up, or down with these things, not in God’s sight.
There is an old saying that goes like this: “Dress to Impress”, but to put it plainly, God is not impressed with outward appearances on any level. He bids us to be chaste and modest in dress, and appearance, as we should be, but in the greater scheme of things we cannot add any value to ourselves, by outward appearance in any form. Let’s read:
Psalms 147: 10 He delights not in the strength of the horse: he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man.
11 The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.
1st Timothy 4: 8 For bodily exercise profits little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
Jeremiah 9: 23 Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches:
24 But let him that glories glory in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord which exercises lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord.
Unfortunately, some persons have gone to great lengths to adopt a bulimic lifestyle, following some of these Tik Tok stars down a rabbit hole that leads to neverland, in the vain pursuit of what modern culture deems to be the perfect body.
God is not impressed at all. In fact, an overweight believer in The Lord Jesus is of more value in God’s sight than a lean, good-looking, sculptured person who has rejected Christ.
Man’s ways of valuating persons are quite often diabolically, and diametrically opposed to the way God esteems a person. The sacred truth must now be permanently etched into the minds of the many gullible persons, who may think it necessary to be a slave of society’s standards in order to have worth. Let’s read:
1st Samuel 16: 7 But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord sees not as man sees; for man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.
[3] Diets and foods do not add any intrinsic value to the worth or valuation of a person, in God’s sight, as far as salvation goes.
Again, very much is sometimes made of the issue of diets and foods, especially among the Remnant. It is an indisputable fact that there are benefits to folks who adopt the principles and instructions thereof, but in reality, eating veggies does not add any more value to a person than folks who do otherwise.
When God’s numbers would have been tallied up in the judgement, many vegans will be weighed in the balances and found wanting, just as anyone else, if the righteousness of Christ wasn’t received into the heart by faith.
That is not to say that we should not seek to lead healthy lives, for there are tremendous benefits to be had, for those who adopt such a lifestyle.
But we are not to overemphasize the issue, to the neglect of those weightier matters pertaining to the valuation of persons, and their salvation, because it is one’s faith in Jesus Christ that matters the most, not merely food and drink.
God has given very clear distinctions in His word as it pertains to clean and unclean foods, and these instructions are to be followed by all who desire to obey God. But beyond that, vegetables, and salads are not to become salvific issues, for Christ died to persons, not veggies.
Faith in God will lead folks to reach for the highest heights, but when it comes down to the wire, food is not the final determining factor, as far as one’s valuation goes. In fact, we are cautioned in the Bible not to cause anyone to stumble in their faith in God, on account of diets and foods. Let’s read:
Romans 14:2 For one believes that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eats herbs.
3 Let not him that eats despise him that eats not; and let not him which eats not, judge him who eats, for God hath received him.
4 Who art thou that judges another man's servant? to his own master he stands or falls. Yea, he shall be upheld: for God is able to make him stand.
15 But if thy brother be grieved with thy food, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy food, for whom Christ died.
16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of:
17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
18 For he that in these things serves Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.
19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
And now we turn to the true valuation of a person, as God estimates it. A well-worn pair of Levi Jeans from the 1880s recently sold for $76,000.00 at an auction. Being worn and threadbare in some places, it did not, and could not have such a high valuation, in and of itself.
Originally, it did have some worth, but its current value was based solely upon what that person was willing to pay for it. Thus, that pair of Jeans is now very valuable in the sight of the one who had forked over such a large sum of money to procure it.
Similarly, with the valuation of persons; originally, we had value, and that is one of the reasons why God made that decision to purchase us back to Himself. But currently, what gives us such a high valuation is the price that was paid for us.
The blood of Jesus Christ cannot be measured as far as pricing goes, because there’s nothing to compare it with, and there is nothing more valuable. When it was decided in the courts of heaven, that Jesus will come to this earth to save us, God, The Father was putting everything on the line or as some would say, He was putting all of His eggs into one basket.
Angels also rejoiced greatly at the consummation of Christ’s sacrifice on Calvary, and with good reason, for if Christ were to fail here, their security and their existence would also be in very deep trouble. Thus, the very existence and welfare of the universe hung upon that one price that was to be paid by Christ on Calvary. Let’s read:
Revelation 12: 12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knows that he hath but a short time.
[The Desire of Ages pp 758] To the angels and the unfallen worlds the cry, “It is finished,” had a deep significance. It was for them as well as for us that the great work of redemption had been accomplished. They with us share the fruits of Christ's victory.
And it is because of this, why human beings have now become so much more valuable in the sight of God. When on account of our sins and errors, any question or concern is raised in the heavenly courts Jesus lifts His pierced hands as a reminder of that great price that was paid for the human family, and it's this that has caused the valuation of persons to go up astronomically. Let’s read:
[Special Testimonies July 15] The most perfect and valuable treasure of Heaven was given for man's salvation, and God will receive only the dearest and most precious gift from him in return.
The Father in giving his Son poured out in one gift all the excellence of Heaven for man, and those who prize this gift will make their offerings of the things they most value, and withhold nothing which God has bestowed upon them wherewith to honor and glorify his name.
Therefore, when we look at the ways in which folks are valued by the world, it seems as nonsense when compared to how God values us, and when we see ourselves and all others through the lens of Christ’s sacrifice, it could, and should greatly change our perspectives on life.
One of the immediate benefits of understanding the valuation of persons, as God sees it, is that persons are no longer tethered to secular, worldly methods of esteeming oneself, and as a direct result, we can live untrammeled by all the must haves, and must dos that society bogs persons down with.
The Bible states that if The Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed, and therefore, whenever we understand the real value and worth of persons, we would not become slaves of fashion, or esteem ourselves and others by worldly standards. Instead, we can stand free and clear of the petty valuations that secular society deems essential.
We no longer have to dress to impress, for clothing and outward adorning are vastly inferior methods of measurement when valuating a person’s worth. We would also value human life above that of lower life forms for Christ died to save the former, not the latter.
In addition, we would place the highest premium on human life, and as such, the evangelism which is to form the cornerstone of the Christian’s existence, will be front and center of our efforts and energies, not something that the church has to beg us to do against our will, every now and then.
One of the reasons why individual missionary work has become almost nonexistent within Laodicean circles, is the lack of proper valuation of persons, for whom Christ died. Instead of getting all excited over games and sports icons, we ought to be energized with joy and gladness when one soul is baptized in God’s kingdom. Let’s read:
[Experiences in Australia pp 156] He will open to us the gates of the city of God, and bid us come in, welcoming us with the heavenly benediction, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”
The joy of the Lord is the joy of seeing souls saved. In doing this work we shall be partakers in the sufferings of Christ, laborers together with God.
Let us therefore shake of the many shackles which the world has been placing around our necks like an Albatross, for if there is nothing nobler to live for, than the mere esteem of a secular society, then the very essence of Christian life will leak out of the soul like water from a leaking vessel. Let’s read:
[2 MCP pp 784] Truth is an active, working principle, molding heart and life so that there is a constant upward movement.... In every step of climbing the will is obtaining a new spring of action. The moral tone is becoming more like the mind and character of Christ.
The progressive Christian has grace and love which pass knowledge, for divine insight into the character of Christ takes a deep hold upon his affections.
The glory of God revealed above the ladder can be appreciated only by the progressive climber, who is ever attracted higher, to nobler aims which Christ reveals. All the faculties of mind and body must be enlisted.
We therefore end with a passage of scripture that reminds us to value persons as Christ did, for if we were to see the true worth of humanity, we would be moved to unite with Christ in the redemption of His purchased possession. Let’s read:
Matthew 24: 18 And Jesus came and spoke unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
God Bless!