How do you calculate your net worth? More importantly, how do you calculate your true value? More than your potential output, God measures what he would pay for you, and he gave his one and only son in exchange for you. You are truly worth more than you ever imagined. (John 3:16)

Leviticus 27:7 was a wee slap in the face this morning. Apparently, I lost value a couple of birthdays ago. Context is helpful:

The Lord said to Moses, “Give the following instructions to the people of Israel. If anyone makes a special vow to dedicate someone to the Lord by paying the value of that person, here is the scale of values to be used. A man between the ages of twenty and sixty is valued at fifty shekels of silver, as measured by the sanctuary shekel.
Leviticus‬ ‭27‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Two birthdays ago, I was worth fifty shekels of silver. Today, I am worth fifteen. I am not a good investment. I am not an appreciating asset. Instead, according to my doctor bills, I am a depreciating liability. 

Oh well. 

I can feel really bad about getting older and diminishing in value by both ancient and current standards, or I can remember John 3:16.

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”
‭‭John‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I am going to lean into the value God placed on me. He gave his one and only Son for me. Not just for me, but he included me. And he includes you. 

Someone will try to make you feel less than you are today. Someone will look down on you. Someone will not give you a second glance or a second thought. Warm your heart with the knowledge that you have God’s full and faithful attention and love. He’s crazy about you. His love never ends. His love never fails. His love is drawing you ever closer to his own heart. 

Your true worth is incalculable. 

You and I have a choice today. We can live by the perceptions of others, or we can live under God’s smile. Choose wisely. 

“‘May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.’”
‭‭Numbers‬ ‭6‬:‭24‬-‭26‬ ‭NLT‬‬

It’s hard not to smile back when someone smiles at us. Beautify your world by receiving and reflecting God’s smile on your life. 

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I will live under God’s smile.

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Our Father, thank you for loving us so extravagantly. So many people in our lives want to push us down and away. Thank you for always picking us up and rebuilding our brokenness. Empower us to reflect your love and your smile. Amen.