What Are You Really Worth?
This week at Black Hills Cowboy Church, we explored what James teaches about real worth, not the kind measured by success, possessions, or what others think, but the kind that lasts forever. It’s a perspective that can challenge our natural instincts, especially when the world tells us our value comes from what we do. In this blog post, we’ll reflect on God’s truth about our worth, perseverance through trials, and the eternal perspective that changes everything.
We live in a world that measures worth by what we own, what we achieve, how we look, or what others think of us. Without realizing it, we start to believe those measurements define us. But God sees things differently.
James reminds us, “Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. But the rich should take pride in their low position, since they will pass away like a wildflower.” What the world values most doesn’t last. Those overlooked are lifted up in God’s eyes, and those who seem powerful are reminded that earthly success fades quickly.
Our worth isn’t found in status, possessions, or accomplishments; it’s found in who we are to God. “You created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb... I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139:13–14) I’ll be honest, as someone driven to achieve, this doesn’t come naturally. I often catch myself thinking my value depends on what I do or accomplish. But God’s perspective is different. He values us simply because we belong to Him. That truth is both freeing and challenging.
When that truth sinks in, something shifts inside us. We stop trying so hard to prove ourselves. Gratitude begins to replace comparison, and we begin to live not for approval, but from a place of being already loved.
James doesn’t shy away from the reality that life is full of trials. He reminds us that even hardship has purpose: “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” (James 1:12) Perseverance doesn’t grow in comfort; it grows in struggle. God isn’t trying to make life easy. He is shaping our hearts to last for eternity.
I think about the trees this time of year, when their leaves blaze gold and yellow across the hills. For a few weeks, the colors are breathtaking. But, then the wind comes, and they fall. Beautiful, yes, but temporary. That’s how the world’s ideas of worth work too. They can look impressive for a moment, but they don’t last. God’s definition of worth, though, endures.
Jesus illustrated this when He noticed a poor widow giving two small coins in the temple. To everyone else, her gift seemed insignificant, but to God it was priceless. Her worth wasn’t tied to what she could give, but to her heart of faith and trust. I’ve been in seasons where my resources felt small, my time limited, or my efforts unnoticed. But the widow’s story reminds me that even small, humble acts matter tremendously to God.
The same is true for us. God doesn’t measure our value by what we own, accomplish, or whether the world notices us. He measures it by love, His for us and ours in return. Every act of faith, every quiet decision to trust, every moment we choose obedience over ease is treasure stored in heaven where it cannot fade.
Jesus said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, but store up treasures in heaven. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19–21) When we remember that, our priorities shift. We stop clinging to temporary things and start holding on to what truly lasts: faith, love, generosity, and people.
Everything the world calls valuable will pass away like wildflowers in the sun. But those who keep their eyes on Christ receive something that never fades: the crown of life promised to all who love Him. That crown isn’t about recognition or reward; it’s about relationship, the joy of trusting God through every high and low.
Some days I still catch myself measuring worth by the wrong things: my schedule, my accomplishments, or what others think. But I’ve learned that pausing to remember God’s love allows me to rest. I don’t have to earn it, and I don’t have to prove it. That freedom changes everything.
Even for someone like me, who tends to measure worth by results, I have to remind myself daily: God’s love isn’t earned, and my value isn’t in what I do. Resting in that truth doesn’t come easily, but it changes everything when it does.
So today, wherever you find yourself, whether your life feels full or fragile, remember this: you are loved beyond measure. Your worth isn’t earned or lost by circumstance. It is secure in Christ, steady through every trial, and anchored in eternity.
We live in a world that measures worth by what we own, what we achieve, how we look, or what others think of us. Without realizing it, we start to believe those measurements define us. But God sees things differently.
James reminds us, “Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. But the rich should take pride in their low position, since they will pass away like a wildflower.” What the world values most doesn’t last. Those overlooked are lifted up in God’s eyes, and those who seem powerful are reminded that earthly success fades quickly.
Our worth isn’t found in status, possessions, or accomplishments; it’s found in who we are to God. “You created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb... I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139:13–14) I’ll be honest, as someone driven to achieve, this doesn’t come naturally. I often catch myself thinking my value depends on what I do or accomplish. But God’s perspective is different. He values us simply because we belong to Him. That truth is both freeing and challenging.
When that truth sinks in, something shifts inside us. We stop trying so hard to prove ourselves. Gratitude begins to replace comparison, and we begin to live not for approval, but from a place of being already loved.
James doesn’t shy away from the reality that life is full of trials. He reminds us that even hardship has purpose: “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” (James 1:12) Perseverance doesn’t grow in comfort; it grows in struggle. God isn’t trying to make life easy. He is shaping our hearts to last for eternity.
I think about the trees this time of year, when their leaves blaze gold and yellow across the hills. For a few weeks, the colors are breathtaking. But, then the wind comes, and they fall. Beautiful, yes, but temporary. That’s how the world’s ideas of worth work too. They can look impressive for a moment, but they don’t last. God’s definition of worth, though, endures.
Jesus illustrated this when He noticed a poor widow giving two small coins in the temple. To everyone else, her gift seemed insignificant, but to God it was priceless. Her worth wasn’t tied to what she could give, but to her heart of faith and trust. I’ve been in seasons where my resources felt small, my time limited, or my efforts unnoticed. But the widow’s story reminds me that even small, humble acts matter tremendously to God.
The same is true for us. God doesn’t measure our value by what we own, accomplish, or whether the world notices us. He measures it by love, His for us and ours in return. Every act of faith, every quiet decision to trust, every moment we choose obedience over ease is treasure stored in heaven where it cannot fade.
Jesus said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, but store up treasures in heaven. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19–21) When we remember that, our priorities shift. We stop clinging to temporary things and start holding on to what truly lasts: faith, love, generosity, and people.
Everything the world calls valuable will pass away like wildflowers in the sun. But those who keep their eyes on Christ receive something that never fades: the crown of life promised to all who love Him. That crown isn’t about recognition or reward; it’s about relationship, the joy of trusting God through every high and low.
Some days I still catch myself measuring worth by the wrong things: my schedule, my accomplishments, or what others think. But I’ve learned that pausing to remember God’s love allows me to rest. I don’t have to earn it, and I don’t have to prove it. That freedom changes everything.
Even for someone like me, who tends to measure worth by results, I have to remind myself daily: God’s love isn’t earned, and my value isn’t in what I do. Resting in that truth doesn’t come easily, but it changes everything when it does.
So today, wherever you find yourself, whether your life feels full or fragile, remember this: you are loved beyond measure. Your worth isn’t earned or lost by circumstance. It is secure in Christ, steady through every trial, and anchored in eternity.
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