Net Worth

My grandfather’s name was Worth. It’s not a common name these days, but I’ve always liked it. What a great label for a human being created in the image of God! It would be like naming a child “Value” or “Significance,” “Honored” or “Meaningful.” Grandpa’s parents looked down at their baby son squirming in his crib and said, “That’s Worth!”

How do you measure a person’s worth? By her looks? “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting” (Proverbs 31:30). By his earning capacity or the size of his investment portfolio? “A man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions” (Luke 12:15). By her talents and self-confidence? “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought” (Romans 12:3). By his popularity and his wide circle of friends? “Woe to you when all men speak well of you” (Luke 6:26).

How do you determine the worth of a job? Is it more important to be President of the United States, or the mother who brought him up and encouraged him to be a leader? Is it greater to be a successful entrepreneur, or the high school teacher who inspired her and taught her the skill she needed to succeed? Is it better to be a famous chef, or the farmer who grows the food that graces the dinner table? Is it nobler to lead a large church, or to pray, give, and serve behind the scenes wherever the Lord has placed you?

How do you assess the worth of an idea? Great ideas don’t always sound appealing when first advanced. Many considered William Seward a fool in 1867 when he led the United States to purchase the Alaskan territory from Russia for two cents an acre. Max Lucado’s first book manuscript was turned down by 14 publishers before he became a best-selling author. Great ideas usually emerge after being tested and tried in the crucible of reality. Thomas Edison said, “Genius is one percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration.”

How do you calculate your own net worth? Sure, you can add up all your savings and investments, real estate holdings and paid-up insurance, then deduct your liabilities and see what’s left. But when you’re done, the dollar signs won’t tell your life’s story. In their fishing business Peter and Andrew literally had “net” worth, but they left their nets to follow Jesus because he challenged them to invest in something far more valuable than boats, fishnets, and financial gain. Paul amassed an impressive resume as a prominent Pharisee, but he considered it trash in comparison with knowing and serving Christ.

A wealthy man traveled abroad to an impoverished city, where he watched a missionary nurse bathe and bandage a patient whose body was badly disfigured by leprosy.

“I wouldn’t do what you’re doing for a million dollars,” the rich man declared, shaking his head.

Continuing to care for her patient, the nurse looked up. “I wouldn’t do it for a million dollars, either,” she calmly said. “But for the love of Christ, I will.”

When it comes to motivation, nothing trumps the love of Christ. In the search for significance, nothing beats the call to simply “serve one another in love” (Galatians 5:13). For when all is said and done, servants may not earn fame or fortune, but they own a far greater treasure: Their lives have been worthwhile.