How Much Are You Worth?

According to Business Insider, the largest ransom ever paid was $60 million in 1974 (equivalent to $293 million today) for Jorge and Juan Born, wealthy Argentine grain traders. OK, so what’s that to guys that were probably worth billions? It’s much more heart-wrenching to hear news like recent kidnappings of ordinary people by terrorist groups to collect huge ransoms, and get demands met.

It’s hard to hear that kind of news without thinking of the stress and agony of the individuals whose loved one is being held for ransom, and facing the threat of death or torture. But I also think of that person being held for ransom. How much do they think they are worth? Would they want their loved ones to sell everything they have, and borrow from friends and strangers, and be broke for the rest of their lives… just to get them back home safe? Some undoubtedly would say, “Yes, I’m worth more than any amount of money or personal possessions. Give the kidnappers whatever they’re demanding, NOW!” I know also, that there are others who would say instead, “Don’t pay these guys a single dime for me. I’m not worth it. If they kill me, it’s no great loss to anybody. Forget me, and go on with your life.”

There are both kinds of people in the world. Some who think it’s all about THEM. It’s THEIR gain, and THEIR pleasure that’s important, no matter what it costs anyone else. But there are actually far more that undervalue themselves, and choose to remain captive, not willing to believe that anyone should, or would, pay anything to get them back home… even AFTER the ransom is paid.

1 Peter 1: 18-20 says that we were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver and gold; but with the precious blood of Christ. Done. Paid. Just think. God owns all the silver and gold, and the cattle on a thousand hills. But all that would not have been enough. The price He paid for our ransom, our redemption, was His only begotten Son. That tells us what He thinks we are worth! God is a perfect judge of what anything is worth. He did not make any mistake in what He paid for you. He knows our history. He sees our deepest secrets, and unseen faults. And He STILL paid the price… while we were sinners… His ENEMIES!

Now, what would you feel like if someone loved you so much that he gave everything he had to get you back home? Wouldn’t that say something deep about your worth to him, and his love for you? How could you not love him in return? How could you not live the rest of your life FOR him?

And how could you ever again think you don’t have much value? God LOVES you! He threw out the calculator, and priced your value in LOVE! It’s time to stop calculating your value in your own eyes, and by the world’s standards. Start believing what GOD says you’re worth… the very LIFE of His Son, Jesus Christ!

Romans 8:32 says that God spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us ALL! Yes… ALL means YOU, too! Because YOU are worth it!