What is Your Worth in This Kingdom of God

Sunday Sermon August 18, 2024

Galatian 3:26-27

In business, pricing is a crucial element that reflects quality, durability, usage, and relevance. Quality and worth play significant roles in determining the price. This does not mean there are no other factors that affect worth or price tag. Typically, when commodities are abundant in the market, prices tend to decrease; however, depending on their need and usage, their worth may never change. Of course, other factors can also influence pricing but worth remains worthy no matter what.

A story is told of a man trying to sell a valuable coin. The first person he approached offered a very low price, but knowing the coin's true worth, he declined. He visited two more individuals from different fields—medical, and business—each offering different prices. Finally, he approached someone who truly understood the coin's value, and this person offered him a price a thousand times higher than the others. This man knew the worth of the coin and would dare not miss it. But the others possibly had no use for the coin and as such, could price it anyhow. Christians are not such goods that can be priced anyhow. We have a tag and the man who placed that tag is God through creation and his redemptive mission for you and me.

The lesson here is about understanding and recognizing worth. As Christians, do we truly know our worth? Who do we turn to for an accurate assessment of our value? Different cultures and people have varying systems for measuring worth. In Africa, for instance, land was once so abundant that its value was determined by how much one could acquire and defend. In contrast, in the West, land is measured and priced with great precision and high cost. These differences highlight that worth is relative, and to receive a proper evaluation, one must seek out those who truly understand and appreciate value.

The online dictionary defines worth as "the value equivalent to that of someone or something under consideration; the level at which someone or something deserves to be valued or rated." Only God, His Son, and the Holy Spirit truly know our worth in Christianity. When God created us, He declared that we were good (Genesis 1:31) and made us in His image. Even after our separation from Him, He sent His only Son to redeem us (John 3:16-17). Such a sacrifice is made only for something precious. God considers us His own (Genesis 17:7; Jeremiah 7:23; Jeremiah 30:22; John 10:27-28) and has adopted us into His family (Romans 8:16-17).

The Bible describes us as:

1. A Holy Temple of God (1 Corinthians 3:16)

2. A Holy Nation (1 Peter 2:9)

3. Heirs with Christ Jesus (Romans 8:17)

4. Fully adopted children of God (Romans 8:14-15)

In 2 Chronicles 7:1-2, we learn that when Solomon built the temple and offered prayers, the glory of God filled the temple. Today, Christians are like that temple. After baptism, the Holy Spirit dwells within us, increasing our worth and making us heirs of God's glory (1 John 4:4-6). We must ensure that nothing separates us from God or quenches the Spirit within us (1 Thessalonians 5:18-20).

Therefore, brethren, if we are truly God's children and have left darkness to come into the light, why would we ever return to the darkness? Imagine being the King’s daughter; would you leave your father’s home to work for another king? The Bible, in Luke 15:11-32, tells the story of the prodigal son, who learned this lesson the hard way and eventually returned home, realizing that no one values you more than the one who knows your true worth.

My brethren, if you know your worth, you will understand how shameful it is to engage in works of darkness (Ephesians 5:11-13). The final advice is found in 1 Thessalonians 5, where we are warned against wickedness and idleness and encouraged to love one another as we patiently await the coming King. Love God with all your heart, serve Him well, and remain sober and vigilant, doing what is right at all times.

Amen. Thank you.