You're Special! (But who cares?)

You’re special, there’s no one else in the world exactly like you! But that doesn’t mean you’re valuable.

Though rarity is a factor in the “supply and demand” equation, on its own it is does not determine of the value of a thing, or a person. Something can be completely unique, and completely worthless. For example, suppose the neighbor’s dog leaves a “present” on my lawn. That pile of doggie doo is completely unique. There has never been and never will be another one like it. If uniqueness made something valuable, then it would be of tremendous value.

Our society tells us value comes from what others think of us. The “beautiful people” are valuable, as are the ones with sufficient talent in sports, music or whatever. Popular people, such as those on reality TV, are really valuable. Unfortunately, this definition requires people to measure up to some societal ideal. Most of us never will, and even for those who do, it won’t last.

Ultimately, something is worth only what someone else  is willing to pay for it. If you’re selling a house, for example, it’s true value is not determined by what the seller thinks it’s worth. It actual value is simply what someone else is willing to pay for it. When it comes to individuals, we don’t get to decide what we’re worth. Neither do those around us. The only being in the universe qualified to judge the value of an individual is God himself. He created us in his own image, and he paid the ultimate price for us. If you ever question your what you’re worth, it can be answered in one word: “Jesus.” Jesus gave his life for you, and, since he doesn’t make mistakes, you really are worth it. You’re worth it. Not because you measure up to God’s standard. (You don’t.) Not because God needs you. (He doesn’t.) You’re worth it because God says you are.