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A Quintessential View of Value

In my last post, you’ll read how being valued by others can encourage and energize us. This inspires me to show others their value, which in turn, gives them encouragement. Our job as Christians is to impress on others their need for the Savior; how they are uniquely created by our Heavenly Father to do great things for His Kingdom. This starts small with those who don’t know the Father, but as we take time to reveal their value to us, they can begin to know their origin and worth. Then they can acknowledge they have a Creator and thus, a Savior sent by that Creator.

Value grows as we see ourselves as a creation. Created – not by mistake or happenstance. And as a person sees their value they begin to see their lack. They can now compare their value with what they’re missing or doing that hurts others or God. Sin is measured in the light of personal value. If a person doesn’t know their value, how can they possibly care about their sin? It’s a full circle.

God, our Creator. We, His valuable creation. Our sin, now seen in light of our value to Him and in light of our great God. Jesus, sacrificed by His Father to take on the punishment of that sin. Jesus, now realized as our ultimate value as we are forgiven of that sin. Now that’s full circle!

We extend that circle when we show value to others – as we imitate Jesus, our ultimate example of One who reveals value to us. When we act as ambassadors for Christ, the world as a whole, benefits. It’s a beautiful way God uses His children to show value to His created beings!

I guess my real intent in writing on this topic is to realize a deep need in our world. And if we, as Christians, can be like Jesus, the real Value-Giver, it will change our world! Just look around. The tattoos, the clownish outfits of the modern man, the piercings, the immodest clothing of the women, the lack of caring about anything but self….. these are all indicative of a culture without value. People who don’t know they are worth anything and so they don’t care about their bodies, their minds, or their souls. And they don’t care about God! The only way they will want to know our great God is if we share with them the value that God has shown us. Show them that He loves them enough to give them life, new life, and the lessons that grow them into the person He desires us to be, all to His glory! Our God has the quintessential view of value!

Simple ways I can reveal value to others –

* I can love my husband and let him know how much I appreciate his hard work, which allows me to stay home and teach our children. Rather than see his differences in a negative light, I can let him know the ways he adds to my life.

* I can share with my children all the ways their uniqueness enriches my day and helps our family function. They will see their value before God as they see their value to us. Not just their value to us as workers in our homes or good students, but to us as we stand amazed at this uniquely created being designed by God to be used for His glory! Teach them their value before Him and they will serve Him all the days of their lives.

* I can let my parents know the ways they have enriched my life, and my children’s life. I can include them in our family’s activities, allowing them to share their talents and skills with us.

* I can show value to my church family by learning about their lives, work, or family. I can value their wisdom and experience in the many areas I am lacking.

* I can build relationships with my neighbors, valuing them for their knowledge, skill, or simply their ability to keep their lawn mown!

* I can talk with my cashier or receptionist, asking them about their day and telling them when they do a good job. Often they light up when they see someone interested in their day!

“But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God.” Acts 20:24

What Do You Value?

By livingabovethenoise

What is the value of a coin?

A car?

A house?

A person?

A human soul?

The term ‘value’ has many connotations. What is valuable to one person may not be to another. A coin might be added to a beggar’s pocket to buy a cup of hot coffee, but it will be walked over in a parking lot by most others. Simply owning a working car means the world to a single mom, but that same car would embarrass a car buff unless it’s waxed and in perfect condition. And a house – just look around! A man’s home is truly his castle. Some will be content in a shack as long as it is warm and dry. Others seek fine architecture, stonework, and landscaping before they will be content.

What is the value of a person? Some value a person only for what that person can do for them. Others value their creativity. Some are valued for their money or their generosity with it. Some for their skill, and others for their wit. And the list goes on.

And what is the value of that person’s soul? Some don’t consider that a soul exists, not thinking one thought about what happens after death, only living for today. Others think the soul moves into a new life form, maybe as a dog! In modern culture, most people are only seen for who they are and what they do today or for what they can offer tomorrow. Even as Christians, it’s easy to fall into that same pattern. In our busy lives, it’s easy to forget about eternity, especially that of our neighbor, the cashier, or even our friends or family.

Lately, I’ve been pondering value. What do I value, and how does it compare with what God values? What is the value or worth of a person and how does that value affect their future and their soul?

I’ve come to realize that I am more motivated to excel in life when I am valued by others. I am more motivated to help others when I know they value me. Isn’t this true for you? (Caveat: This could get complicated – I’m not saying that we only need to excel and help when we feel valued – that would be conditional.) But consider the reverse. When others feel valued, they may be more motivated to excel in life and help others. Now I’m not suggesting that we manipulate others to get results! Only that we consider the benefit to others when we value them. And get this – the ultimate picture of this is seen in how God values us!

My true value is found in God’s love and Christ’s sacrifice for me. He gave the perfect example of proving our value when he sacrificed unto death to give us new life. Only God knows the absolute value of each and every one of us. And as we discover God, we discover our value. As we learn that He created us in His image, we see our value. As we hear of His gift of perfection through His Son, Jesus, we find our value. God values us so much that He even offers us a second chance when we ignore His perfection. All we need to do is ask.

Isn’t value what we live for, ultimately? And if we really think about it, isn’t gratefulness for God’s value for us why we obey His Word? We feel the innate value of our worth because of His greatness and His great sacrifice for us. I’m taking much time to ponder what this kind of value looks and feels like. I believe it’s missing in the world and in many Christian homes today. We’ve forgotten to see the value God has for us, and instead, we spend our lives looking for it in the world’s tools and treasures.

I’ll continue my musings and how we can live out valuing one another in my next post, A Quintessential View of Value.

“Now behold, as your life was highly valued in my sight this day, so may my life be highly valued in the sight of the LORD, and may He deliver me from all distress.” 1 Samuel 26:24

Running into the New Year – Review and Plan for a Great Year!

By livingabovethenoise

“Tomorrow is always fresh, with no mistakes.” Miss Stacey in Anne of Green Gables

Here’s a replay from my last post…….”What a great time of year! You know that feeling – one of amazement (and a bit of disappointment) that another….year has come and gone, and yet, there’s the anticipation and excitement that things just might be different in this new year”

Now, can you hear the music, as if on an old record player beginning to wind down, then coming to a groaning stop! Are you catching my drift?

Those lines from my last post are so true, but then the weeks pass by and reality hits. The reality that I’m still the same person I was last year! And my family has the same issues they had last year, and my home is still in need of major organizing and a schedule. Ouch!

Don’t worry – there’s hope! With God all things really are possible. We are made in His image, and so, we are capable to do what He calls us to do! We are called to be: helpmeets and lovers of our husbands; mommas to our children; managers of our homes, and friend to the friendless.

Just like the recent holiday season and the past year, this year to come is super-filled with activities and expectations. And so it makes sense we spend time finding ways to be more efficient with our time; be more financially responsible; be more home and family-centered – so our family will be strong and faithful.

For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. 1 Corinthians 9:19

You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. Deuteronomy 6:7

Start At The Very Beginning

Each year we get to “start at the very beginning, a very good place to start” (yes, I’m humming Do-Re-Mi from the Sound of Music). We get new beginnings all the time — January — Monday — the first step out of bed! If you’re not feeling quite like Maria in the Sound of Music, not to worry! Not all of us love new beginnings. ;)

The start of the new year is like a mega-Monday!

And for those of us who aren’t Monday lovers, this can be a challenge! I’m a mix. It’s a love-hate relationship for me and Monday! I’m not crazy about giving up the freedom the weekend offered, and yet, I’m ready to dig in and be proactive. I am still flesh and, although my spirit is willing, my flesh can be quite weak! This is where prayer and time with God come in. He usually lets me know what’s important, even though I don’t always want to hear it.

After time with God, asking Him what He wants me to do today, this week, this year, it’s time to review. The end of something is always a great time to review. It’s the perfect time while it’s fresh in our minds. The W’s and H’s of good writing come in here.

– Who did we serve, bless, influence? Who wasted our time, our thoughts, our energy? (Yes, not everyone is good for us!)

– What did we do with our time, our energy, our thoughts? What wasted our time, our energy, our thoughts? What was accomplished? What worked, what didn’t? What improved our home life, our relationships? What hindered them? What would you change in your daily schedule, the running of your homeschool, or in your daily routine?

– When did we feel successful in our goals, our schedule, our relationships – or not?

– Where are we in our plans and dreams? Where would we like to be in a year? Where did I put last year’s plan? (just making sure you’re still reading!)

– Why did we do what we did? Were our ‘why’s’ real or did we find they were based on someone else’s ideas? Was our main ‘why’ to accomplish much for the glory of God?

– How did we get things accomplished, or how did we get sidetracked? How would we like life, family, schedules, and relationships to look this year? How’s our marriage? How’s our relationship with our children?

I encourage you to take time. Time alone, time with your hubby, and time with family – remembering this past year. Review, ask, and answer questions. Consider the line from the song, Do-Re-Mi – “When you know the notes to sing, You can sing most anything!” Things really can be different this year!

So let’s get excited about this new year! We each have a new year to run into. And yes, I said run! I can slink into it, avoiding the responsibility of managing my home and family, or I can run, considering all the things I hope to accomplish and see changed. Let’s encourage one another in our quest to live orderly and productive lives, lived for the glory of God. He gave us this one life. I choose to give it to Him. Will you? What a great time of year!

Without becoming weak in faith he contemplated his own body….yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform. Romans 4:19-21

Make the Holidays Work for You!

By livingabovethenoise

What a great time of year! You know that feeling – one of amazement (and a bit of disappointment) that another Christmas season has come and gone, and yet, there’s the anticipation and excitement that things just might be different next year. All the work of this fun, yet stressful, few months is over, and thoughts of ‘was it worth it?’ or ‘what will we do different next year?’ are slipping through my mind. Making the holidays work for us begins now, at the end of the season!

The Thanksgiving – Christmas season, above all others, is super-filled with activities and expectations. And so it makes sense that we spend time finding ways: to be more efficient with our time; to be more financially responsible; and to be more home and family centered in all of our holiday activities.

We have a simple tool that helps us enjoy the holidays. At the end of the Christmas season, our family makes a list of what worked and what didn’t, what we liked a lot and what frustrated us or burnt us out. I have to admit that, come next fall, we can’t always find that list :o) but just the talking it through and writing it down helps to cement it in our minds. Now is the time while it is fresh in our minds.

Consider these questions:

– Did the family feel stressed or did the schedule allow for lots of family time?

– As a manager of the home, was I stressed or did I have time to enjoy the season, the music, the decorations, a cup of hot cocoa?

– Were meals a struggle, easy to prepare, enjoyed by all, expensive? If some recipes are a tradition, have they seen their time or do they bring back fond memories?

– Was there too much focus on getting or did all experience the joy in giving?

– How’s our budget? Stretched beyond comfort or ready to face the new year without overtime?

– Did presents, decorations, activities get all the family’s time or did we make plenty of time for advent readings and relishing in God’s precious gift, the true reason for celebration?

– After this season of joy, if my children or I were asked “what Christmas is all about” (said with a lisp like Linus in Charlie Brown’s Christmas) what would the answer be? Calendars full of activities and partying….”presents for pretty girls” (I digress! – Lucy, also in Charlie Brown)…..Santa (yikes!)…..cookies and candy canes…..time off from math…. or will it be said that God is so good to have sent us His Son, and the breaking of bread and the sharing of love, laughter, and gifts made everyone remember that goodness?

This truly is a great time of year! Things can be different – it just takes a bit of work. May this simple exercise bless our families as we seek to make our holidays work for us and not against us.

Let all things be done decently and in order. 1 Corinthians 14:40

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