What are you worth?

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I have already written to you about how much a thirty second advertisement will cost for this years’ Super bowl. Seven million dollars. I also wrote about the price of Super Bowl tickets anywhere from $6,500 to $57.000. Take your pick. As a preacher, all of this is out of my league, but the question of what we are worth and what value do we bring is a matter of concern for us all. In fact, Jesus brings this question of value and worth into his Sermon on the Mount.  Jesus begins by encouraging us not to worry.

His point is to look out when we rely on wealth and material things for security and then are tempted to dismiss our reliance upon God. Jesus further makes this clear when talking about not serving two masters because we become devoted to one and despise the other. Same with money and God (Matthew 6:24). It is a balancing act to be sure, but again, when we value ourselves only by our financial position, we open the door to anxiety and stress and team-up with worry. How then are we supposed to not worry?

Here again, Jesus looks at the birds of the air and notices the birds enjoy life. Not only do the birds get a kick out of flying around but they don’t have to plant seeds for grain or worry about storing their crops. God feeds them. The birds are reliant upon God.

Let that thought sink into our minds and heart and well-being, Jesus then lobs us one of those eternal questions. By “eternal questions” I mean it is not about a quick answer but more importantly we live with the question and return to it year after year. So here is the eternal question: “Why do you worry? Are you not of more value that the birds of the air?”  Well?

So off we go with that question spinning around within us as we step outdoors and look at the birds living the life. Watch how from the birds we receive guidance about the gift of creation while the birds value and claim their existence on planet earth. The birds are alive and grateful for each day. And as we begin by looking at the birds, we notice how they relish the natural elements given to them such as, the earth, wind, fire, and water. So, if the birds remind us of these elements of value, then we will find further worth, meaning, and purpose in the value of what God has created and given us.

Further reflection guides us into the story of creation where the worth of humanity is found in the characteristic of the soul. The birds of the air will help guide us within the mind, heart, will, and body as our souls provide the gateway into our relationship to the Creator.

And we carry the question of our value further, our spiritual, inner life, receives external guidance from the birds of the air. Aspects of love, joy and peace along with other spiritual gifts will surface as we look at the birds and identify or resonate with their presence. Here is an example. Consider the peace of God rather than worry. Then, take a look at the birds.

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Robin Jennings

Robin T. Jennings is an ordained priest in the Episcopal Church, and an accomplished author, speaker and teacher who inspires his audiences with Biblical guidance and spiritual insights into everyday life. Whether he has the opportunity to speak to churches, businesses or organizations, Robin’s lifetime of work in spiritual transformation and renewal connects individuals with timely topics such as the importance of community, hope, identity and the search for meaning which are inevitably woven into his message.

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