Incalculable Worth

“What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?” 

Matthew 16:26 

Human lives don’t count for much in some places. Extremist groups in Africa and the Middle East murder whole populations. In some American cities, life on the streets can be harsh, hard, and deadly. And even Christians in our own country sometimes buy in to the world’s ethics when it comes to judging the value of human life. If people suffer from dementia, or they’re in a coma, or they’re severely disabled, their lives don’t seem to have much value.  

In today’s Scripture, Jesus says, “What good will it be if a man gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?” Lives—no matter if they are disabled, elderly, or unborn—matter to God. In fact, our lives have more value than the wealth of the whole world. Jesus scoffs at the price tags people place on an eternal human soul. The men, women, and little ones He created have incalculable worth. 

Lord, I know this world is my temporary home, the place where I hang my hat. I live and work here. But—I don’t want to be shaped and colored by the attitudes around me. Please don’t let me be squeezed into the world’s mold. I want You to be the One who shapes me.