| STOP! Yes, you – reading this email. STOP!
Can you stop for just one minute to ask yourself an honest question? (Slowing down and stopping might be one of the hardest things to do these days … and yet it’s so important that we do.)
Here is the question: How do you determine your value and worth? (Take a minute to really think about this … and then keep reading.)
So, what did you come up with?
For many of us, our minds first go to what we do. “I’m successful at this.” or “I’m good at that.” Often this relates to our vocation, our education, our recreation … all the things that we “do”.
For others, thoughts of character come to mind. I’m a good person. I’m generally a kind person. I’m generous. I try to encourage others in life. These thoughts certainly move us beyond our “doing” and more toward a “who I am” type of thinking.
Both of these are directly related to our relationships, which is also what many people think of when considering their value and worth. Whether it’s being a mom or a dad, a grandparent or friend, even our colleagues and neighbours, we often believe our value is found in our relationship to others.
Finally, there are those who have a really hard time coming up with an answer, but will insist that for some unspeakable reason everyone has intrinsic value and worth.
I would suggest that all of the above are great building blocks for understanding one’s value and worth but they are not a good foundation! The reason for this is they are too dependent on things that are changeable. Consider all the possibilities above and then ask yourself, does someone lose their value and worth if their life or relationships change?
Does a business person still have value if they lose their job?
Does a musician lose their value if people stop liking their music?
Does a parent lose their value if they lose a child?
Does an individual lose their value if they lose their mental or physical capabilities?
Most of us – if not all of us – would say they certainly do not lose their value or worth for any of the above reasons and more. Most of us agree that there is something that gives every human being that intrinsic value and worth.
What is that?
We believe the great foundation of our value and worth comes from the knowledge that every human being on the planet has been created in the image of God.
This is truly the great equalizer of humanity and the only foundation that remains unchangeable. Regardless of life circumstances, everyone is created with immeasurable value and worth, and as such, deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. There are no comparisons necessary when this is the foundation for us all.
How does this relate to youth work you ask? Stay tuned for tomorrow’s blog. What I can tell you for certain though, is that this foundation is painfully missing from most young people’s lives and the ramifications are deeply troubling! |
