Valuing One Another

What do you value most in life?  Perhaps the harder question may be, how do you determine the value of something?  A number of years ago in the automobile business I resold a car for a customer.  This was a rare Bentley that sold for $351,000 dollars when it was new.  However, in used condition, with some unwise modifications made to the car, it sold for just under $30,000.  Apparently, this car had lost a significant amount of value in a relatively short amount of time.  For some it’s not cars that are highly valued, but instead houses, job title, family, health, or a myriad of other possible avenues.  That is to say, by and large, value is in the eye of the beholder.  What is valuable to one person may be of no worth to another.  But what about for those who love and serve the Lord?  Is value viewed spontaneously different when we submit our lives to Christ?

Without question the most valuable of all things is God Himself.  God is perfect (Matthew 5:48), He is holy (1 Samuel 2:2) and righteous (Psalm 145:17), ruling and reigning on high as the everlasting (Jeremiah 10:10), sovereign God (1 Chronicles 29:11).  With a high view of God, it should only make sense that whatever God Himself deems to be valuable, we too should hold that same position.  Our Lord has set His affection upon His children in such a distinct way that we cannot help but to see the overwhelming value He has for the church, the very Body and Bride of Christ.  Therefore the relationships that exist within the Body should be pursued with this inalienable truth in mind.

On our journey to discover the riches of sanctifying relationships, we must properly understand the significance of valuing one another.  The Apostle Paul understood the value of sanctifying relationships and he conveyed that to his Corinthian audience in 1 Corinthians 1:10. Knowing that unity and love was what pleases God, this is precisely what Paul called for.  In short, he encouraged them to see the value that was present through the God orchestrated community of believers.  In fact, he would go on to reiterate the same sort of sentiment in 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 as well.  When we consider the amazing grace of God in bringing His children together as one Body, one family, we can’t help but notice the value He has provided for us to enjoy.

As you take an evaluation of the relationships in your life, I would encourage you to contemplate whether or not you are treating your brothers and sisters in Christ like they are valuable.  Are we giving God praise and glory for the sanctifying relationships that He has blessed us with?  Are we expressing through our words and actions that we value others?  Perhaps it is true that there are relationships in your life to which you respond with a resounding affirmation.  And perhaps there are relationships in your life to which you would respond with much more hesitation.

Here is my challenge to you.  First, go to the Lord in prayer.  Thank Him for the relationships that He has brought forth in your life.  Praise Him for the individuals that you highly value, love and appreciate.  Also, pray that He would help you grow in relationships that you struggle with, the ones that don’t come as easy.  Pray that He would allow you to see the value in those relationships as well.  Secondly, tell the people that God has placed in your life how much you value and appreciate them.  Encourage them with your words.  And third, let them know they are valued by your actions.  Sanctifying relationships take time and energy.  Show others that they are worth the effort.

Personally, I am beyond grateful to God for the many wonderful relationships He has provided me with.  The value that these relationships have brought in my life is indispensable.  What a loving and gracious God we serve, to Him be all glory, honor and praise.

 

By His Grace And For His Glory,

Pastor Sam