| How Much Are You Worth? - by Joel Hempel Our financial adviser tells us in his monthly report that our financial worth is not what it once was. When I look in the mirror or attempt to lift the weight I once lifted with ease, I quickly conclude I’m not as strong, good-looking, or fit as I used to be. As I write these words, I am reminded that my brain does not work as quickly as it once did. I know our country is founded on the principle that all people are created equal, with inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. But we are also surrounded by Hollywood’s influence, social media, advertisements, and marketing. Given what we see in the movies, on TV, and on the internet, I have two questions for you: First, what would you say are the cultural values that surround us – and I daresay influence all of us? Here’s my list: Youthfulness, good looks, intelligence, cognition, financial security, the ability to connect with others, freedom, health, education, the importance of time, family, power and influence, success, hard work, self-determination, physical fitness, autonomy, individuality, accumulation of stuff, and other characteristics you could add (or subtract). I’m not suggesting that such “valuables” are all bad. But here’s my second question: What are we tempted to think about ourselves as we begin losing, or may never have had, what is widely believed to constitute human worth? It is no wonder that the “You Are Enough” yard signs took hold around the country. If people don’t have “enough” of society’s values in their lives, it is hard to feel and believe they are enough. The message of Genesis 1:27 needs to reign supreme in our convictions: God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them (NRSV). God then breathed his breath into us (Genesis 2:7). There is something of God in all human beings. I’m not smart enough to say what that is. But I do know this. It is the image of God within us that makes us valuable. Humans are, we are, YOU ARE God’s created child - and furthermore, we are redeemed by Jesus (John 3:16), which adds enormous, immeasurable value to our personhood. When Marcia and I used to work at Laclede Groves Retirement Community, some of our time was spent in the nursing home. We soon learned it did not matter how wealthy you were when you entered the nursing home. If you lived long enough, you ended up with virtually none of what society says contributes to your worth. One by one, the cultural values I listed above are peeled away. But what is left is what was always there in its full, spiritual glory. Neither our culture’s values nor your mirror can tell you what you are worth. For that assessment, look to God’s grace, his forgiveness, and the Holy Spirit who lives within you. Don’t believe me? Ask God: Psalm 92:12-14; Isaiah 49:15-16; Jeremiah 29:11; Matthew 10:29-31; Romans 5:8; 1 Corinthians 6:19; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:4-10; 1 John 3:1-2. | 
