Assets and my value

There are many things that will influence what we think of ourselves.

But what is the truth about human value?
What makes me valuable? And is my value determined by how rich I am or what I own?

_{Parts of this article is found in a teaching (undervisningsopplegg) made by Damaris Skole Grs.}

The power of influence

You may be thinking:

«But this doesn't affect me! I'm so aware of what I believe and stand for»

Influence is something that happens continuously, in the face of society as a whole. Whether at home, at school, at the shopping centre or in front of the TV screen. Values and attitudes are communicated everywhere, and we must—consciously or unconsciously—relate to them. Based on this, influence can take place in (at least) two ways:

a) Either you get confirmation of what you already stand for, thereby strengthening the values and attitudes in question.

b) Or what you encounter breaks with your own values and attitudes, thereby challenging what you stand for. Over time, such challenges can—slowly but surely—and probably unconsciously—lead you to change your mind.

Either way, both of these perspectives are a form of influence. When we realise this, that there is a continuous influence in the encounter with popular culture, we also understand that it is actually important to examine a little more closely what is being communicated and how we want to relate to this.

Assets and experiences

Are there assets and experiences that give me value?

My value - and the assets: How important is it for you to have the ‘right’ things? Not only in adverts, but also in TV shows and films, the focus is often on being rich and successful. A new phone or an expensive jacket can provide status and a sense of a successful image. It's as if the value of our things says something about our worth. Yes, as if we can buy our value as a human being.

My value - and the experiences: Nothing compares to good experiences, whether it's a successful taco night with good friends, an entertaining game or a trip to London. The message in the media is often that we deserve good experiences, and that it's in experiences that we can find meaning in our everyday lives.

Of course, looks, achievements, friends, possessions and experiences are all important aspects of our lives that say something about who we are. But none of this has anything to do with our value. If that were the case, our value would constantly be changing. So, what is it that makes us valuable?

Want it - here and now!

We live in an experience-centered culture, where a good experience is synonymous with happiness in life. Needs must be satisfied when—and how—you want, in all areas, from gourmet meals to sex. “I enjoy, therefore I am.” An experience doesn't just give meaning to everyday life, it becomes the very essence of it.

Here are some characteristics of an experience-centered culture:

Having fun, being carefree (hedonism)
Buying what you want without waiting
Enjoyment, fulfilment of needs (incl. sexual)

What does the Bible say about my value?

Is it that God only likes those who are wealthy and rich? Are they the most valuable? Or does God only care about those who are poor?

No, God loves all people and He cares about our whole life.

In short, what is the Bible's message about wealth and possessions? God has created us with the responsibility to manage what we have been given. In the Bible, wealth is not problematic in itself. Abraham, Jacob and Isaac were very rich. King Solomon built an enormously large and beautiful temple.

But think about it: Where is your focus?

In the Bible we find many verses about money, possessions and wealth. Here are 3 of them:

Mark 8:36
And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?

1 Tim 6:10
For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

Matt 19:16-22
Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?”

“Why do you ask me about what is good?”Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.”

“Which ones?” he inquired.

Jesus replied, “ ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony,honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’”

“All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?”

Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.

God has created us with a responsibility to manage what we have been given, and of course he treats us to good experiences. But it's easy to fool ourselves, as King Solomon did. This unimaginably wealthy king of Israel realised that prosperity and the pursuit of good experiences ultimately only led to emptiness. The experiences that wealth could bring him were good at the time. But the feelings disappeared. They couldn't make him truly happy.

What is your perspective on life? Is life only here and now? Do possessions play too big a role?

God has a challenge:

“Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isa 6:8