What gives a person value?

  When we talk about the value of something there are two terms we need to keep in mind. One is extrinsic value. Something with extrinsic value has value only outside itself. For example, a hammer has extrinsic value because it can be used to do something.

Intrinsic value is the other term. Something has intrinsic value just by its existence. Its value is not dependent upon circumstances or the opinions of others. Christians believe that humans have both intrinsic and extrinsic value. We have intrinsic value because we have been created in the image of God. That alone gives us value. Furthermore, we have extrinsic value because we were created for a purpose. In contrast, atheism and secular humanism, in their rejection of the concept of God can only assign extrinsic value to people. In other words, unless others outside ourselves assign value to us, we have no value.

But what happens if value is not assigned to a group of people? Nazi Germany saw no value in Jews, Gypsies and others and tried to eliminate them from the face of the earth. For many years some in America saw no intrinsic value in slaves, and still today there are many who see no intrinsic value in people of color. In 1973 the Supreme Court decided unborn babies had no intrinsic value and made abortions legal. Today, some argue that parents should be allowed to end the life of their children up to one month of age if it is believed that the child might be a burden. These individuals contend that infants lack self-awareness and are unable to place value on themselves.

When a person believes that he or she lacks value it becomes easy to decide to take one's life. Suicide rates increased 33 percent between 1999 and 2019. A study conducted by the CDC found that one in four young adults had seriously considered suicide during the pandemic. When depression and anxiety are added to a feeling that one has no intrinsic value suicide can seem like the easy way to escape the pain.

The Bible makes clear that all persons have intrinsic value. It tells us that are fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God with value and purpose. We do not have value because someone has given it to us. Our value comes to us from God who created us and loves us unconditionally. We are not the product of chance and circumstance but are fearfully and wonderfully made by God.

If you are struggling with the feeling that you don't matter, that your life is meaningless I encourage you to talk to a pastor. Begin reading the Bible. Contact me and let me help you address those feelings. You are precious in God's sight. He truly does love you and sees great value in you.