Becoming a Person of Value

Over the years, I have come to realize that everyone likes to associate with people of value. It means that if you are someone who commands value, people will be drawn to you. If not, they will not. Now, suppose you find yourself always seeking to associate with others whom you consider valuable, but discover that not many people are eager to associate with you — this could simply mean that you are not yet commanding enough value.

I use the words “not yet” intentionally, because I am mindful that we can all command great value if we take the right steps. Here are a few steps to help you truly become a person of value:

1. Have the Right Perspective

The first step to becoming a person of value is to have the right perspective of who you are — who you are in Christ and the graces God has bestowed upon you. I do not think you can be of worth to yourself or to others if you do not first understand who you are in Christ. Remember, you are valuable in the sight of God, which is why He was willing to pay the ultimate price to save you (Romans 8:32).

If you are saved — born again — you are already on the right path. If you are not, today is your day of salvation, because you will never find your true value outside of Christ.

After you are saved, then comes the grace that God has deposited in you. We all have different graces — no person has nothing. In the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14–30), we clearly see that the master gave each servant something, even if it was in differing measures. Never consider yourself as having nothing that people can benefit from. You certainly have something, and you must bring it to the table and put it to use.

Remember, it doesn’t have to be the same as what others have — that is precisely why you are unique, and your uniqueness is valuable. Do not hide your grace, because it is needed. Do not measure what you have by comparing it with others. Be happy with the measure you have been given, seek to develop it, and use it to benefit others. This is your first charge to becoming a person of value.

2. Have Value for People

The second step is to have value for people. Too many individuals value material things more than people, and if you are one of those, you will struggle to become a person of worth. True worth is birthed when you recognize and honor the value of people.

I am always reminded of the story of General William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army. At Christmas in 1910, General Booth was near the end of his life. His health was failing, and he was unable to attend the Army’s annual convention. Someone suggested that he send a telegram to be read at the opening of the convention to encourage the many delegates who had gathered.

Knowing that funds were limited and desiring not to use more money than necessary, Booth decided to send a one word message. As he searched his heart and reflected upon the many years of his ministry, he sought the one word that would summarize his life and the mission of the Salvation Army — one word that would encourage others to carry on.

When the thousands of delegates met, the moderator announced that General Booth could not be present but had sent a message to be read at the opening of the convention. He opened the telegram and read aloud the one word:

OTHERS!

Signed, General Booth.

The extent of your influence depends on the depth of your concern for others. The men and women who have had the greatest positive impact on the world have been those who valued others more than themselves.

If you shift your attention from a “What’s in it for me?” (selfish) mentality and focus on how you can serve and uplift others, you will quickly see how valuable you can be to humanity.

To be continued…