The Value of a Soul

This month, we've been looking at insights to help us become a more effective worker. To close the month, I want to share this great little memo on the value of a soul. Of your soul! And your potential as a worker...

It is important to know the value of a soul. Having a healthy understanding of our own worth contributes to a sense of personal well-being. And understanding the worth of others improves how we relate to and treat those around us. But often, we fail to grasp the basis of our value as humans.

It's sometimes said we derive our value from the death of Jesus on the cross. I'd like to suggest the cross doesn't create our value, it reveals it. That is, we don't have value because Jesus died for us--Jesus died for us because we have value! But what is that value He saw?

Assuming our value is based on physical abilities, academic excellence, or physical attractiveness just leads to pride. We may assess each other's worth based on externals like these, but God does not. Those with unusual strength, intellect, or beauty are not more valuable to God than those without. And God does not view those with severe handicaps in one or another of these areas as worth less. Our true value lies elsewhere.

The fact is, God could have easily created new beings, to replace Adam and Eve after the fall, with even greater skills, talents, and abilities. Angels already far surpass us! But He didn't. And while sin has been steadily diminishing our potential for 6000 years, our value to God has not diminished one iota. God still sees something inherently valuable in us that compels Him to work for our redemption and restoration.

The Psalmist describes the value of our external abilities in these words:

Psalms 103:14
For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.

But even dust has value. And in fact, it is the key to understanding the innate value of a human soul--because dirt can be used to do something extremely important. Notice this passage by the Apostle Paul:

II Corinthians 4:6-7
6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

Did you catch that? We are "earthen vessels". The value of clay is not in any of its intrinsic capabilities, but in the fact it can be molded and shaped into a container that can hold something of inestimable value. And the passage makes it clear what that treasure is: the glory of God.

“God sees value in us, because we can contain the glory of God within us, and reflect it to others.”

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God sees innate value in us, because we have the capacity to contain some measure of the glory of God within us, and reflect that glory to others. His glory, of course, represents His character. And God's longing is for a people who will reveal that character, at last, to the entire waiting universe.

Paul clearly understood God's "intent" is for "the manifold wisdom of God" to be made known "by the church" unto all "the principalities and powers in heavenly places" (). His power working in us "is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think" resulting in the church bringing glory to God "throughout all ages, [worlds] without end" ().

And curiously, this turns our normal notions of value on their head. For the greater our defect, handicap, or limitation, the greater our ability to glorify God! When Paul asked for his thorn to be taken away, God revealed to him that it actually increased his ability to reveal the Father's glory--that His strength was made more perfect in our weakness. Immediately, Paul burst out into praise:

II Corinthians 12:9-109 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Rather than 6000 years of sin diminishing our value, our weakened condition actually increases it! The poorer the frame, the more beautifully the portrait shines out. The weaker the vessel, the more perfectly God's grace can be seen.

“Rather than 6000 years of sin diminishing our value, our weakened condition increases it!”

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So you do have tremendous value to God--value in your capacity to contain within your heart the character of God, and reveal it to the world. And the people around you have that same incomprehensible potential as well, making them worth our best efforts. In fact, the weaker the vessel, the greater its ability to fulfill its purpose. The more valuable it becomes.

Jesus clearly saw our potential. He was willing to pay the ultimate price to redeem it! And one day soon He will gather together believers from around the world faithfully revealing the Father's glory to the universe, and settling the issues in the great controversy between good and evil forever. "He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied" (). It was worth it.

Comments

Do you wrestle with properly understanding your value? Perhaps not appreciating it fully at times? Or perhaps over exaggerating it on occasion? How important is it to grasp the proper basis of our value?

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	Posted by Dan Vis on 01/04/23
	You are very welcome Robert! This is definitely a different way of thinking about value, isn't it?

	Posted by Robert Gonzales on 01/03/23
	I do sometimes wrestle with understanding my value in Gods eyes. I am very thankful for this lesson. It has helped me see myself and others in a better light. Thank you so much !!!

	Posted by Dan Vis on 12/30/22
	That's right Margaret, it can be so crippling to not understand our value, and yet having a false sense of our value, at the opposite extreme can be really problematic too. We really need to study deep and understand the basis of our value. That helps solve the issues on both sides...

	Posted by Margaret S. Po’oi on 12/29/22
	This is so beautiful and so encouraging. Thank you for writing it. It is important that we understand our value in light of the Word of God. We are "not to think of himself more highly that he ought to think; but to think soberly..."Romans 12:3For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. As SDAs, we understand truth and the gospel on a different level than the rest of Christendom. Sometimes that can get to our heads. However, God wants that truth to shine, to emanate, be proclaimed, so others can know Him better. In short, understanding our value also means understanding our role and our work. God bless.

	Posted by Dan Vis on 11/30/22
	Thank you for your kind words Deanne! It's an amazing thought isn't it, that are real value in some ways is in our weakness! :)

	Posted by Deanne Reinke on 11/30/22
	this was a new concept for me. I am excited to share it with those I meet who have a low self-esteem. This knowledge can be the difference between LIGHT and DARKNESS. thank you for sharing this life-changing article.

	Posted by Dan Vis on 11/29/22
	Wow, that is a cool thought Mike. My dad is a coin collector, so that really resonated with me. I love your conclusion--because we are each one of a kind, God was willing to pay such a high price. Love it!

	Posted by Mike Carner on 11/29/22
	The value of something is set by the desire of one who wants that something. How much are they willing to give to get it. It's like coin collecting. It's not merely the intrinsic value of the metal that gives a coin value but how much a collector is willing to pay. The rarer it is the more value it will have. God is a collector of souls, each soul is one of a kind. So God was willing to pay the highest price possible to obtain each of us.

	Posted by Dan Vis on 11/24/22
	Yes, over-emphasizing our own value, esp when combined with minimizing the value of others can be very destructive to relationships! Great point Daniel! Basing our value on our real worth as a container, rather than superficial externals, levels the field. We are all of inestimable value to God, and for the same reason. We can be temples of the Holy Ghost!

	Posted by Daniel on 11/23/22
	Come across many who overestimate their value - difficult. So yes, it is vitally important to know true value and I appreciated this point - "We are "earthen vessels". The value of clay is not in any of its intrinsic capabilities, but in the fact, it can be moulded and shaped into a container that can hold something of inestimable value. And the passage makes it clear what that treasure is: the glory of God."

	Posted by Dan Vis on 11/22/22
	That's a powerful thought Shanthi, and I agree completely. That's why God will use the last generation, the weakest and most degraded of them all to finally reveal His character in all its fullness to the world. What other generation could it be! :) Amen brother! You are important, and God has a plan for you. It's not always clear what that is at various points, but if we keep focusing on revealing His character, His plan will work itself out in our life. Stay encouraged Robert!

	Posted by Robert Gonzales on 11/21/22
	This lesson is powerful!! I do wrestle in understanding my value. I believe it is very important to understand my value seeing myself through Gods eyes.

	Posted by Shanthi Solomon on 11/20/22
	Having always heard that with each new generation there is greater deterioration in character etc, how refreshing to know that the greater the deterioration, the higher the chance of us fulfilling God’s purpose in revealing His character.

	Posted by Dan Vis on 11/18/22
	Thanks for your testimony Teverly! God is good. And glad to play some small part in exploring this topic. The extraordinary value God sees in us (and in fact re-instills in us as believers) never ceases to amaze me. As always, a great and very succinct summary Louise!

	Posted by Louise P on 11/17/22
	God sees innate value in us - the capacity to contain His character in our hearts, and reveal this to the world. AND, the people around us have that same potential! We are all precious in His sight!

	Posted by Tev Gray on 11/17/22
	Dan , this is why I love the Lord so much! Only this week I wrote this question in my quarterly, to explore and I believe you have just answered it for me. My questions were: Are we humans, the only world that has dealt with a satan? Is this why, we who have triumphed over him, are so precious to God? Is this why God loves us so much & is doing all to save us? We are of immeasurable value to God, as in spite of our brokenness, us being dust, having to endure the temptations satan present, we can reflect the glory of God, when we choose to Admit, Believe & Claim. 11 Corinthian 12:10 ....for when I am weak, then I am strong. It is no longer my strength but Christ's strength that is seen. Galatians 2:20I am crucified with Christ: neverthless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. .... nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me. I can totally understand why there is joy over each sinner that repents - the glory of God shines brighter each time! Luke 15:10Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

	Posted by Dan Vis on 11/16/22
	I'm sorry to hear your story Sam, but it makes a super important point--that when we don't understand our real value, we make many hurtful and destructive decisions. Glad you could be a witness to your friend. Keep praying!

	Posted by Shawnda McKnight on 11/15/22
	I was just speaking about this with a young woman who is in an abusive relationship and Everyone is trying to get her to leave him. He beats her- he crashed into her brand new car with a stolen one ( hers is totalled) but she continues to date him and "loves" him. I tried to let her know that she is worth more than that and being a child of the King of kings she deserves better. Just knowing I will be a co- heir with Jesus Christ makes me stick out my chest and not settle for anything. She rather have a man that beats her than to be by herself. I know she is a good girl, very intelligent and beautiful- I wish she could see that for herself.

	Posted by Dan Vis on 06/01/22
	Now that is a powerful quote Jeannie that you opened your comment with. I think that captures the point of what I was trying to get across beautifully. Thanks for sharing that! As for your question, I'm not sure this is an explanation of why some people suffer more, and some less--only that adversity presents greater opportunity to glorify God. And like you said, it amplifies our praise. It was one thing when Job praised God in good times, something else when he praised God during his trials. Job didn't change necessarily, his praise was just perceived differently. But note God didn't bring those trials. I don't think God makes anyone an invalid, but He does provide extra grace to those individuals, to endure their challenges. And their challenges can help make that grace more prominent. And this is a different way of thinking about adversity, it does turn our perspective upside down. I'm sure Paul felt the same way, when the Lord answered his prayer as He did. Really great quote, again. And a good question...

	Posted by Jeannie Marcoux on 05/31/22
	The value of man is estimated in heaven according to the capacity of the heart to know God. COL 354.3 So does weakness increase our capacity to know God? I get that when we suffer and continue to trust in God it is like putting a mega phone to our declaration of faith, making it much louder. But for myself, as someone who suffers a lot of chronic and at times acute pain in my body, I struggle to see my enviable position. Why wouldn’t God make us all invalids if this would reveal His glory more and makes us so valuable? Just asking hard questions. This concept turns my world upside down. If all who commit wrongs would feel that Jesus loves us more dearly for the temptation that has been yielded to and confessed, than if there had been no error, no breach in the armor! – {1888 273.1}

	Posted by Dan Vis on 05/30/22
	The value of a container certainly increases when it's filled with something precious! Let's keep climbing higher Dianne!

	Posted by Dianne Knudson on 05/30/22
	I realize my value is only in Christ! However, I don’t think I nearly fully grasp what it means to reflect Christ perfectly! That is my desire, to be sure, but I recognize that my mind must be much more focused on Him through His Word throughout each day!!! Thanks for the reminder!

	Posted by Dan Vis on 09/07/21
	Thanks Vincent! Appreciate your kind words, and glad these posts have been an encouragement to you. Good to have you back again. :) It's true Andrijana, that God never intended for us to struggle with these limitations, but it's also true, that these weaknesses make the power of God even more evident in our life. Someone who overcomes under great adversity is always more inspiring than someone who overcomes with every advantage on their side. In the long run, humans will be exalted to a higher position, throughout all eternity, than if they had never fallen. That's because of the lessons we've learned in our fallen condition... It's a great question, and opens even more exciting thoughts to contemplate. Thanks for asking that!

	Posted by Andrijana on 09/07/21
	Such an encouraging and beautiful Monday Memo, thank you very much for that, Dan! I do have one question about this sentence: "For the greater our defect, handicap, or limitation, the greater our ability to glorify God!" That is so only in the context of sin, right? Because if it would be like this always, than God would have created beings with defects from the beginning, because they could reveal His glory better? But He created perfect beings... I didn't really understand this part...(?) Thank you so much for your answer! :-) Greetings from Germany! God bless you and your very great Ministry!

	Posted by Vincent Mweemba on 09/06/21
	Hi Dan It has been long I was not participating due some personal matters I was sorting out. We thank God for your recovery from Covid-19 and we shall continue praying for you and many others. Your post is a great encouragement to me and my family members who read your posts on my android phone. On the other hand I need to delete some stuff in my phone so I can join on telegram fora. God bless you.

	Posted by Dan Vis on 09/06/21
	That's a good way to think about it Kathryn. That any good we do is His power in us. Which is just another way of saying our real value is our potential to reveal Him to the world.

	Posted by Kathryn D. Search on 09/06/21
	Since I live and move and breath through Him, My value is only in what I can do through His power working in me. And when that happens I am glorifying Him. Anything good in me comes from Him. Without Him I can do nothing worthwhile. Mentally, Physically, spiritually I am of value, because He created me, redeemed me, and recreates me. So for me to live is gain. All I need is gained through dying to self.

	Posted by Dan Vis on 05/27/20
	Glad this was inspiring for you Terri. The fact is, your past experiences make the miracle you are today all that much more, well, miraculous. That' what adds power to your testimony, and brings glory to God. Reminds me of that verse in the reading: II Corinthians 12:9-109 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.. Incredible! I wonder Laurie, if that's not part of the liberty Paul encouraged us to stand fast in (Galatians 5:1Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.). I suppose it's primarily talking about a bondage to sin, but I think most addictions are powered by shame, guilt, bitterness and other negative emotions. Understand our value in Christ is indeed liberating internally, which leads to freedom externally. Just a thought that ran through my mind when I read your coment. Glad we could share something you can use Valerie. I love to think of FAST as an army of workers around the world doing all kinds of different ministries in different ways. Each encouraging and supporting and praying for one another. Your post makes me think we are slowly getting there... :)

	Posted by Valerie Wise Burrell on 05/25/20
	Dan, This is a message that I can share with one of my clients who is not a Christian; however, I hope to be able to direct her to the peace she is searching for that can only come from Christ. I will put her in the Prayer Chapel! I am so grateful for my FAST family. Valerie

	Posted by Laurie Wissink on 05/25/20
	I agree with Terri. It's wonderful; I might even use the word, liberating, to be reminded of our value. Praise God! This is one of my favorite memos.

	Posted by Terri Krovoza on 05/25/20
	Wow! What a God moment for me was this message! Just this morning in my devotions I was wrestling with things in my past that have brought me so much shame and how I have avoided getting close to anyone because if they knew my past they might not see me the same. And I have let all that effect the way I felt about my value as a person but knowing that God values me no matter my past is so unbelievably amazing! Not that I haven’t known that before but sometimes I need to be reminded again. Hallelujah! Amen!

	Posted by Dan Vis on 02/21/20
	You are very welcome Verona. Praise God this was helpful to you. And great prayer!

	Posted by Verona Edwards on 02/20/20
	Thanks for such a clear concept of who I am in the eyes of my Savior. I pray self will die so He can shine both in and out of my life

	Posted by Dan Vis on 02/18/20
	Great attitudes Carole! :) You are very welcome Rhoda. Glad this spoke to you. Understanding this does help me grasp not only my value but the value of others, if we will just consent to letting God do His work in our heart. The potential of our life is so precious...

	Posted by Rhoda Forbes on 02/17/20
	I thought I knew how valuable I was to God but now its so much clearer because I never thought of the value of dust! My prayer has always been for me to see my fellow brothers and sisters through the eyes of Jesus and now it's so much clearer because the value of the earthen vessels stand out and just walking in the garden and looking at God's beautiful handwork will now have new meaning and a constant reminder of my worth and that of others. Thank you Pst. Dan.

	Posted by Carole Bliss on 02/17/20
	Sometimes I feel what I am being asked to do, is too much for me, it tells me, I need to pray for strength, for His words, to rely on Him. I believe this is what it's all about. Depending in Jesus. Sometimes I see me, and am all too human, that's when I have to go to Jesus to receive His forgiveness and rejoice in His love for me. Blessings, Carole

	Posted by Dan Vis on 08/26/19
	No problem Karen! :) That auto correct can come up with some interesting things, sometimes.

	Posted by Karen Williams on 08/26/19
	Thanks. Dan Autocorrect really messed up my words that time. Thanks for figuring it out.

	Posted by Dan Vis on 08/26/19
	Thanks for sharing this Kjersti! As with most things, there are different levels of understanding Karen. There will certainly be some aspects of sin and redemption they will never fully understand--because they will never have experienced it. Reminds me of the words to the old familiar hymn: Holy, holy, is what the angels sing, And I expect to help them make the courts of Heaven ring; But when I sing redemption’s story, they will fold their wings, For angels never felt the joys that our salvation brings. I should also point out, that all of heaven, too, is seeking to know and reveal the character of God. I'm sure we'll learn lots from them too!

	Posted by Karen Williams on 08/24/19
	Question: if we are to reflect Gods glory to the universe, does this mean that even though the inhabitants have never sinner and can visit God any tiothey want that they die some reason do not actually know Him?

	Posted by Kjersti Holtedahl on 08/24/19
	My moyher liked the article, I red it to her. thank God for understanding, and for letting us know our value!

	Posted by Dan Vis on 08/24/19
	Heaven will indeed be a wonderful victory celebration, won't it?

	Posted by Lillian E. Cepeda on 08/23/19
	Thank you,Qing for tagging me to this beautiful encouraging words of wisdom. God's love never fails .During the trial you feel helpless at times, but while we go through the fire the Lord is in it with us. Yes, you learn to empathize with those in need. It is a wonderful opportunity to come out of the trial triumphant in Jesus. I just can't imagine the joy in heaven. God is always good to us even though we don't see it until you fall at the foot of the cross. What a wonderful experience that is! A testimony to bring souls to the kingdom!

	Posted by Dan Vis on 08/23/19
	Nice thoughts Qing, about how empathy can come with maturity, and understanding our value as humans can help us see one another differently. Good post!

	Posted by Qing Ling on 08/23/19
	Doranita Lillian having gone through harsh experiences makes it easier to empathise with others who struggle too, doesn't it? And especially when you have found victory in Christ, you are able to then pass on that same skill of overcoming to the next person too :) As I re-read this memo, I thought about how as one matures and experiences more of life's hardships, one develops more compassion for the next human being, because of greater empathy. Hurt people hurt people, as they say. So whenever I come across a hurtful person, I am challenged to view them as a fellow broken jar of clay, with as much potential as I have in all my own brokenness, to shine God's glory from their vessel -if only they would choose to be cleansed from the "soot of sin" to use Pam's analogy :)

	Posted by Dan Vis on 07/22/19
	So beautiful to hear how God has worked in your life Lillian. We are all indeed exquisitely valuable to God, and we all have unique potential for we can each reveal God in a way no one else quite can. Incredible thought...

	Posted by Lillian E. Cepeda on 07/17/19
	After twenty years of taking abuse and loss of personal value, I was finally, set free. I learned how valuable I am before God's presence. I learned how valuable I am to Jesus, that he gave His life for me. What a blessing it is to received the Holy Spirit through Christ's death! Therefore, If the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.(NKJV) John 8:36If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

	Posted by Dan Vis on 09/25/18
	Wow, thanks for sharing a bit of your story Doranita. Your testimony about the power of knowing our value, and the ministry you are building sounds powerful. I wish you all the best!

	Posted by Doranita Tyler on 09/25/18
	I believe it's very important to understand your value. Currently I'm taking the Worker Tools training. I've identified my target group to be women impacted by domestic violence. It's hard to understand how a person can allow themselves to live in this environment if you haven't lived it yourself. I chose this group because I am a survivor. I struggled then to understand that I had any value. I felt absolutely worthless and ashamed. Truly learning to know Christ and understand His love for you is powerful. I find myself connecting with Mary and the Woman at the well. Embracing how their lives changed once they encountered Christ is the message I strive to embrace and desire to share with others.

	Posted by Dan Vis on 09/06/18
	That is a powerful thought Barbara! Thanks for sharing how that has changed your life. Understanding our value and the value of others can be truly life-changing. Appreciate your comment!

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