According to Merriam-Webster:
1val·ue noun \ˈval-(ˌ)yü\
Definition of VALUE
1
: a fair return or equivalent in goods, services, or money for something exchanged
2
: the monetary worth of something : market price
3
: relative worth, utility, or importance
4
: a numerical quantity that is assigned or is determined by calculation or measurement
5
: the relative duration of a musical note
6
a : relative lightness or darkness of a color : luminosity b : the relation of one part in a picture to another with respect to lightness and darkness
7
: something (as a principle or quality) intrinsically valuable or desirable
Of all the definitions listed here for the noun "value" which one would you pick? Does you definition of "value" have more to do with what someone brings to the party in the way of goods and services for exchange with like kind and quantity? Or are you more interested in the amount of money one happens to be in possession or control of?
Non of these really sum up my definition of "value", I look more to what we can give to each other not so much in terms of goods, services or even gold and silver, but to what we can be for each other. I wrote of my friends a couple days ago and that is something that I value. I can't put a price on that friendship, or what my friends bring to me. I shutter to think that I even bring anything to the party worth more than a tinkers damn. But it's a relationship that is of more value to me than any goods or services.
Can you put a price on have a shoulder to cry on when you are down? A shoulder that doesn't seek compensation or even expect it. But one that knows that when the tables are turned, a shoulder will always be there. Someone who values you enough to listen to what you have to say. Who knows that bad things happen to us all and it just happens to be you this time but is willing to stand in the gap for you. No, those things are without price, yet they have value.
Can you imagine seeking out a relationship with someone by asking "What's in it for me?" What do you bring with you that is of value? I have a valuable relationship with Jesus. I love Him. I'm not worthy of His love or even His friendship, yet, I have a relationship with Him. I bring nothing but myself to this one, and He values me. He actually died for me once. That's how much He values me. You have to admit that is a lot!
We all seek out that which will enrich our lives, we are human. We like shiny things with buttons! Loud, fast and smokin' hot! Valuable things. Big houses, cars, boats and whatever the latest gotta have it is. We tend to look at people the same way; pretty is good. Tall and handsome makes us smile. Big bucks? Come right on in! And we all have plenty of friends as long as we're buying. Not much value in that if you want my opinion. Looks fade, money is fickle on it's best day, and anything new is used a day later.
What I value most are the things that cannot be bought at any price. A happy family is hard to find these days because everything has a price. I would love to have a couple kids that I could nurture and teach. They bring nothing to the party but themselves, but they are priceless. A woman that devotes herself to raising these kids to me would be priceless. Forgoing any personal gain to rear her offspring is worth more to me than all the nannies and cleaning services in the world! Pretty valuable if you ask me.
I would like to say we all have some value, but we don't. Some are takers, never giving anything and when you run out of things to give, they move on to others. Not much value to me. Judging those that have little but themselves to give and not willing to accept it. I'm glad Jesus didn't feel that way about me. I value you, and I know you do me.
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