Money and (Self) Worth
Written by: Dr. Ken McFayden
Several years ago, I had a chance to learn more about diamonds when I was looking for a diamond ring. I previously knew about color, clarity, cut, and carat—the four Cs that help to determine the worth of a diamond. What I learned that was new to me pertained to the manner in which the number of facets may impact the sparkle of a diamond. A diamond’s facets let in and send out light. The higher the number of facets, the greater the sparkle. Assuming, of course, the facets are cut well and the stone is not clouded.
This image is in my mind as I think about (self) worth. It is tempting to think of one’s worth through one or two measures, often materialistic in nature. As such, I would like to offer several facets that may help us think about worth that does not limit us to monetary dimensions of our life. Perhaps more facets will shed more light on who we are, brilliantly created in the image of God.
Economically, we and others may place value upon ourselves based upon our annual income, our savings and retirement accounts, the size of our home, and the possessions we own.
Vocationally, we and others may assign value based upon the type of job or position we hold, the place we work, and the power and responsibility we carry.
Relationally, we know when others have valued us. We have experienced this reality in the love and care they have shown. And we know when we have valued others, extending love and care to them.
Spiritually, we know in faith that God loves us; that we are created in God’s image; that we are called to a purpose in the world that bears witness to God’s reign and works for the transformation of the world.
Too often, we allow the economic facet, the least significant if we pause to think about it, to hold too much influence upon us and to trap us in a diminished sense of self-worth. Perhaps we would do well to begin with the spiritual facet, and then to move to the relational and vocational facets. After all, these offer much more clarity about our worth.
Questions for Reflection
- Identify scriptural passages that remind you of God’s love and the worth God assigns to you and others. How do these passages speak to you today?
- Relationally, who has loved cared for you in a way that demonstrates the value they place on your life? Whom have you loved?
- Vocationally, to what are you called? How do you see worth in the work you now are doing and may do in the future?
