WHAT IS CHRIST WORTH?

Matthew 27: 9 (NLT) "This fulfilled the prophecy of Jeremiah that says, 'They took the thirty pieces of silver -- the price at which he was valued by the people of Israel, and purchased the potter's field, as the Lord directed.' "

There is a lot going on in the housing market with the current United States economic crisis. Homes that were worth two times their present value four years ago have sunk to all-time lows. Many homeowners are upside down on their loans; meaning, they owe more than their property is worth.

Last month our home in Boise had an offer on the table. Both parties came to an agreeable selling price. The next step for us was to have the property appraised. An appraiser came to inspect the home to see if it was in fact worth the selling price according to the market, neighborhood and other comparable properties.

Our value and worth in Christ cost Him His blood and very life. But, to what extent is Christ's value to us reflected through us? Think about it. If Jesus were to appraise us, would our lives measure up to Who we say we love and value? Does how much we think we value Him match up to what we actually do? I'm not suggesting we earn brownie points by our behavior. But, the fruit of our lives does indicate how much we appreciate or depreciate Him.

When we value something, we care, protect and preserve its worth. When we value someone, we love them, spend time together and care for the relationship. We also won't allow ourselves or others to injure or dishonor them. When something is truly valuable to us a natural response is to safeguard its worth.

Just this morning I was reading Matthew 27, where Judas betrayed Christ for thirty pieces of silver paid to him by the teachers of the law. Verse nine stuck with me all day, "The price at which He (Christ) was valued by the people of Israel." The NASB reads, "And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of the One whose price had been set by the sons of Israel."

The leaders of the nation of Israel estimated Jesus' value at thirty pieces of silver; well below His worth. The word for "price" in this verse can also mean honor which belongs or is shown to one by reason of rank. It also means to show reverence to one.

This verse could read, "The estimated value of One whose honor had been set by the sons of Israel." The price tag the teachers of the law placed on Christ accurately reflected their value and honor of Him, although it was not a precise measurement of who He was or what He deserved.

This concept of appraisal and value should cause us to consider our life in Christ. Does the price tag we put on Christ truthfully reflect His value? If Judas was willing to give up Christ for thirty pieces of silver, what are we willing to trade Him for?

The enemy lures to tempt us. The world entices us to gratify our flesh. When we value the things of this culture more than we revere Christ it is easy to slide into complacent and calloused living. Being ensnared by humanity diminishes the glory of Christ that should be revealed in us. As our Commanding Officer, we disregard His rank in our life when we don't honor Him as we should.

I cheapen Christ's worth when I disrespect my husband. My actions take advantage of His grace when I justify my behavior. My life devalues His righteousness when I get comfortable and content. I make light of His death for my sin when I willfully choose to rebel against what I know is wrong. I slander His Name when, what I confess with my lips doesn't agree with what I profess with my life.

We may not be bribed financially to betray Christ, but our life reveals His importance or lack of in our life. May followers of Jesus Christ value Him for what He is truly worth. May our lives reflect His significance to us. May our honor for Him accurately measure up to His rightful rank in our lives.

While house values decrease, may our appraised value of Christ increase. More important than the worth of my house is the appraised value of Christ in my life. What is Christ worth to you?

Heart Work:

Spend time journaling to God this week. Tell Him why you are thankful for His sacrifice and your salvation. Let it be a time of praise and worship as you pour out gratitude to your blessed Savior.

Heart Exam:

In what ways do you cheapen God's grace? What is your biggest area of weakness?

Are you sorrowful over your sin? Are you striving to experience victory and break down strongholds through the power of Christ?

What is your estimated value of Christ? How does your honor of Him match His rank in your life?

Heart Changing Word:

Isaiah 6:3 (NIV) "And they were calling to one another: 'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of His glory.' "

Zechariah 11:13 "And the Lord said to me, 'Throw it to the potter' - the handsome price at which they priced me! So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them into the house of the Lord to the potter."

Psalm 8:5b "You crowned Him with glory and honor."

Romans 6:1-2 "What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? by no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?"

Philippians 1:27 "Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ."

Colossians 1:10 "And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God."

Hebrews 6:6b "To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace."

Copyright 2011 by Hester Christensen. All rights reserved.