July 23, 2020
You Are Worth More
Sharon Jaynes
Today’s Truth
Jesus said, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?” he asked His disciples. “Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:29-31, emphasis added).
Friend to Friend
As a little girl, I never felt I was worth very much. I always felt that I wasn’t pretty enough, smart enough, or good enough. I sensed my parents tolerated me, but certainly didn’t delight in me. And if your own parents couldn’t love you, then who could?
Then there was the definitive day in the eleventh grade that took my self-worth to an all-time low. I can still remember what I was wearing: lavender bell bottom low rise jeans, a bubble knit short-sleeve top, Dr. Scholl’s wooden sandals, and a blue bandanna tied around my head of long oily hair I hadn’t had time to wash that morning. This was acceptable attire for teens when I was in high school, except for the days when a special awards or recognition assembly was held.
In homeroom that morning, the principal announced over the intercom that an unscheduled assembly would take place at eleven o’clock to recognize students being inducted into the National Honor Society. That’s when I understood why so many of my friends were dressed a notch above the norm. Their parents had received the secretive congratulatory call the night before and made sure their kids had washed their hair and left the frayed jeans in the drawer.
Four hundred teens found seats in the darkened auditorium. The principal made a speech of commendation from the podium and then said, “Will the following students come forward when your name is called to receive a certificate and a candle to be lit by last year’s inductees?”
The principal called each name, and I watched several of my friends walk across the immense stage. Then, to my horror and surprise, my name was called. Why didn’t my parents warn me, I thought. I look horrible—and I did.
When the houselights went up, I panned the back of the room where proud parents snapped pictures and pointed out their progeny to others standing on tiptoe to catch a glimpse. My parents were not among them—they never were.
I later discovered that my dad had received the call from the school the night before, but forgot to tell my mom. Even though they both worked across the street from the school, they didn’t come to the ceremony. In my mind, their absence confirmed what I’d suspected for the past 17 years. I’m just not worth the trouble.
I didn’t care about the certificate or the principal’s accolades. What I really wanted was to know I had value to the two people who mattered most.
Perhaps you had painful experiences in your past that left you feeling worthless, but Jesus wants you to know you have great value. He gave His life so that you would!
Jesus said, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?” he asked His disciples. “Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:29-31, emphasis added).
You are worth more than the money in your bank account.
You are worth more than the number of friends you have on Facebook.
You are worth more than the number of followers for your Twitter account.
You are worth more than the number of meetings and appointments on your calendar.
You are worth more than your successes or failures.
You are worth more than your level of education.
You are worth more than the price tags in your closet.
You are worth more than your accomplishments or lack of them.
You are worth more than many sparrows.
It took many years, but finally I took hold of Jesus’s words: You are worth more. That’s what he wants you to know today.
If you believe it, leave a comment and say, “I am worth more.”
Let’s Pray
Lord, thank You for caring about me and loving me. Sometimes I feel so worthless, but on those days, help me to remember my great worth to You. That’s all that really matters.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
On what do you tend to base your worth?
How does that line up with what God says about you and your worth?
Make your own list of “I am worth more than…”
More from the Girlfriends
- silence the voice inside that whispers you’re not good enough.
- accept God’s grace and no longer allow past failures to define you or confine you
- be preloaded with the truth to fight insecurities
- walk in the surefooted confidence of God’s unconditional love
Originally published Thursday, 23 July 2020.
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