Value

As one who spent my days in college studying Economics, I've always been intrigued by the concept of "value", and how it relates to the decision making process. Most definitions state that "value", in economic terms, is the worth of a commodity as determined by its relation to other commodities. In plain speak, you might buy a hot dog for $2, but chances are you won't buy that same hot dog for $20 (unless, of course, you're at Fenway and after paying $90 to park in a gas station lot, a $20 hot dog seems like a steal). It's just not good value. Your money is worth more to you than the hot dog is. That's value. It's how we decide if something is worth it, or not.

In life we are constantly forced to make decisions about how we will use our limited resources; how we will allocate our time, talents and treasure. And although many times these decisions have little to do with finances, we often reach our conclusions based on value. We decide based on that which will give us the greatest return for our investment. The best bang for the buck.

But when it comes to the church, and ministry, how do we determine value, as we go about making our decisions, and using our limited resources? How do we determine whether something is worth it, or not? On the surface, it might make more sense, in terms of perceived value, for me as a pastor to solely involve myself in activities that connect me with the greatest number of individuals. Again, in plain speak, to allocate my resources of time and energy to a sermon which will be heard by 200+, rather than spending a few hours with one individual who is in the midst of a trying time of life. In economic terms, it make sense. It's a good value. Similarly, as a church, it may be better value for us to allocate resources from our budget to those ministries that will in the end, sustain themselves, as those ministered to become members and givers to the congregation, at the expense of those ministries and opportunities that will never become "self-sufficient". Again, in terms of economics, it makes good sense, value-wise.

But as Christians, and as the church of Jesus Christ, we are not called to live our lives, and live out the gospel, according to value. We are called to follow the will of God, as it is revealed to us by his Holy Spirit, regardless of whether or not it makes the most sense, or is logical, or is a good value. For Jesus calls us to base our decisions, not on value, but on love. And here's the kicker...we are told that if we do act out of love, we'll have more than enough resources to meet the challenge. Our blessings will overflow. God will provide.

And yet, so often we just can't get by value. We need our decisions to be logical. But what is logical about Christ? What is logical about a God who gives up all so that we might gain all, and asks us to do the same?