When Commandment eight ‘Do not steal’ is spiritually ignored or resisted people start to devalue not only relationships, but the actual worth of people generally, so they develop a life pattern of taking rather than gratefully receiving. The thief loses this sense of worth and value for people, in others and in himself. When people give up on something they often say ‘It isn’t worth it!’Mark 8:34 “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in...
When Commandment eight ‘Do not steal’ is spiritually ignored or resisted people start to devalue not only relationships, but the actual worth of people generally, so they develop a life pattern of taking rather than gratefully receiving. The thief loses this sense of worth and value for people, in others and in himself. When people give up on something they often say ‘It isn’t worth it!’
Mark 8:34 “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?
Who works out what something is worth in this world?
Basically it is the free-marketplace, price is based on functionality, quality, availability, cost of materials and labour, appearance and presentation and not least, the manufacturer or creator (label). The last one leads to incredible variation concerning cost and value (a priceless piece of art).
Worship Worthship and Workmanship
Givers give to what they believe is worthwhile. Takers take what they can. Receivers receive with gratitude. When we receive with gratitude and appreciation, we show that we value the time and the effort and care that has gone into the giving. All of this goes into our valuation of a person, and their worth. To worship God is to worthship God. To seek His Kingdom is to value relationship with Him. It becomes the highest worth. We are his highest worth as shown by his laying down his life for love of us. We are worth everything to God.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Luke 12:6 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.
Seeking worth
Matthew 13:44 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
Philippians 3:7 But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him
Consciously receiving – This can be restful or active but still involves challenge and faith and grace.
Restful In Receiving
James 1:21 … receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
Active In Receiving
Romans 5:17 For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s abundance of grace and his free gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ.
We begin to receive the best for our souls rather than remaining discontent in unmet needs.
James 4:3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your desires.
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