Valuation!

Valuation is the appraisal or determining of the VALUE or price of something. I recently came across some statistical information relating to the VALUE of a man and though this information may date back a few years there is a contrast I would like us to reflect on.

-- Considering the chemical contents of the human body, for an individual weighing 150 pounds, the following estimates have been made of a man’s worth: in the 1930s, 98 cents; in the 1960s, $3.50; and in the 1970s, $5.60. With over 60 percent of the body’s weight being water (which would be free).
-- Then with a focus on education some values were determined by the Institute of Life Insurance. The institute -- valuing a man in terms of his potential life income -- noted the worth as follows: A graduate from grade school could expect to earn $219,000 in a normal lifetime; $303,000 for a high school graduate, and $444,000 for a college graduate.
-- Then, when atomic power was harnessed, figuring that the atoms in the human body could produce 11,400,000 kilowatts of power per pound if harnessed, a man weighing 150 pounds would be worth $85,500,000,000.
[Source: adapted from the “Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations”, compiled by Paul Lee Tan, © 1979, Garland TX: Bible Communications]

Based on some of this information, perhaps we can see why some see little VALUE in human life today. Considering the above estimations, the determination of VALUE changed based upon the view of either makeup or productivity associated with the human life. However, each of these estimations were in accordance with man’s valuation. What is the WORTH God has demonstrated?

Jesus stated…
“For GOD SO LOVED the world, that HE GAVE HIS ONLY SON, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” ( John 3:16 ESV)

And Peter noted…
“(18) knowing that YOU WERE RANSOMED [or redeemed] from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, (19) but WITH THE PRECIOUS BLOOD OF CHRIST, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.” ( 1 Peter 1:18-19 ESV)

Peter clearly contrasted the price (and VALUE) of our redemption from the things the world values (i.e. silver and gold) with the “precious blood” of our Lord Jesus Christ. To know GOD VALUES US in such a way ought to draw us closer to Him and His Will. It should also impact the way we look at others around us. May we SEE AND VALUE as God does!

Have a great day ENCOURAGED BY OUR WORTH IN THE EYES OF GOD!
Carl

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