WHAT ARE YOU WORTH? by Major Frank Materu
----Main Bible Verse:
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.” — Matthew 7:21 (NKJV)
----Introduction:
In this teaching, we explore a critical question: What are you truly worth in the eyes of God? The value of a person is not based on material wealth or public recognition but on their relationship with God and their obedience to His commands. God calls us to examine ourselves and consider whether we are living according to His will or pursuing the fleeting pleasures of this world. This message aims to help believers understand the importance of prioritizing their relationship with God above all else and to live with eternal value in mind.
----The Folly of Worldly Pursuits
Many people invest their time and energy in acquiring material wealth and pursuing worldly ambitions. However, in doing so, they often neglect their relationship with God. The things of this world, such as wealth and fame, are temporary and ultimately cannot satisfy the deeper needs of the soul. God warns us not to be captivated by the fleeting pleasures of life but to prioritize our relationship with Him above all else.
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” — Matthew 6:19-20 (NKJV)
----The Danger of Idolatry and Self-Glorification
Idolatry is not limited to the worship of physical idols but also includes placing anything or anyone above God. Whether it’s materialism, fame, or personal ambitions, anything that takes the place of God becomes an idol. When we prioritize our own desires and seek self-glorification, we lose sight of the true purpose of life: to love and serve God. God does not want us to be distracted by the allure of the world; He desires our hearts to be fully devoted to Him.
“You shall have no other gods before Me.” — Exodus 20:3 (NKJV)
----The Illusion of Self-Righteousness
There are those who rely on their good works to justify themselves before God. They believe that their actions will earn them favor with God, but the truth is that without a genuine relationship with Him, our works are of no value. God does not want us to boast in our accomplishments or seek the approval of men. True worth is found in loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and serving Him humbly.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” — Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV)
----Eternal Value vs. Temporary Gain
The decisions we make on earth have eternal consequences. While the world may encourage us to focus on accumulating wealth, power, and status, these pursuits are ultimately meaningless in the light of eternity. God calls us to live with an eternal perspective, focusing on what truly matters: our relationship with Him and our obedience to His will. When we align our lives with God’s purposes, we will store up treasures in heaven that will last forever.
“Do not be deceived: God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” — Galatians 6:7 (NKJV)
----The Worth of Those Who Follow God’s Will
God values those who keep His commands and live according to His will. It is not enough to profess faith with our mouths; our actions must reflect our commitment to God. Those who are faithful in following God’s will, who endure hardship and remain steadfast in their love for Him, are the ones who will inherit eternal life. True worth is found in serving God and aligning our lives with His purposes.
“But the one who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.” — James 1:25 (NKJV)
----Summary
This teaching has emphasized the importance of knowing our true worth in God’s eyes. We are called to live with an eternal perspective, valuing our relationship with God above all else. The pursuit of worldly wealth and fame is fleeting and ultimately leads to emptiness, but when we prioritize God’s will, we find true value in Him. Our actions should reflect our love for God, and we must seek to live in obedience to His commands. Only then will we find the worth that God desires for us.
----Conclusion
In a world that often values wealth, status, and self-glorification, it is easy to lose sight of what truly matters. God calls us to examine our lives and our priorities, reminding us that true worth is found in our relationship with Him. We are meant to live with eternal purpose, seeking His will above all else. Let us be careful not to be distracted by the fleeting pursuits of this world but to invest our lives in what will last forever.
----Call to Action
Take a moment to reflect on your life and your priorities. Are you seeking after the things of this world, or are you striving to align your life with God’s will? Commit today to living with an eternal perspective, valuing your relationship with God above all else. Let your actions reflect your love for Him, and seek to live in obedience to His commands.
----Final Word of Encouragement
You are worth more in God’s eyes than anything this world can offer. When you seek Him and follow His will, you are laying up treasures in heaven that will never fade. Keep your heart focused on Him, and He will guide you in the path of eternal worth.
