PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT !!!!
When you think of what the word "VALUE" means, I'm sure, one of the things that comes to mind is the word, "WORTH". For so many people, how you value yourself is determined on the amount of wealth, or lack thereof that you have. This mindset is not only damaging but the pressure of trying to live up to a "standard" can have detrimental outcomes.
I've been in rooms with people that appear to have the lifestyle of the rich and famous, meanwhile their spirits are broken and their hearts are empty. On the other hand, I've seen people with nothing, literally living in poverty and were just as HAPPY as can be. How is that possible? God asks, “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” (Mark 8:36). You see, there are a lot of wealthy, walking-dead people in this world. That luxurious lifestyle comes with a price that people think they want but honestly, they don't understand it. If they did, they wouldn't want it. It's like being in a crowded room and feeling alone because you don't know who to trust. It's not being able to confide in people because you don't know if your vulnerable conversations or actions will be blasted on social media, or sold to the highest bidder. It's constantly having people come to you for all sorts of handouts and then putting a guilt trip blanket around you, if you decide to deny their requests. Also, you don't know what some of these people have had to do just to be in that glamourous lifestyle. Eventually, it comes with a price that will get paid one way or another. Reflecting on that concept, I don’t know any greater loss than for someone to lose their soul eternally for something temporary.
I want to encourage someone today, especially now, to be grateful for all you have and to do as the Bible says in James 1:2 and “count it all joy.” There is joy and peace when you have freedom and liberty right in the place and status you're currently in. Do not be bound with what your bank account(s) look like. Find freedom in where God wants to take you. Trust and believe God wants us living in a life of abundance and that does not start or finish with our finances.
Be blessed.