“The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein.” Psalm 24:1

How much are you worth? We compare ourselves to others to see where we stand. Usually, we measure our worth by what we own. We claim to own a home, but the bank claims most of it. We claim to own our automobiles, but our ownership lasts as long as the loan exists. When paid off, we begin the cycle again with another vehicle.

Additionally, our worth is measured in our investments. Our portfolio makes a statement. Our ability to produce cash when needed makes us feel worthy. To have a job and to bring home a paycheck, makes us feel like we are worth something.

Our worth is shown in our social contacts. When someone proves themselves worthy, they are admired and have many friends. The person with many friends feels like life is good.

Our worth is measured by our accomplishments. Academic achievement is acknowledged as a standard of a person of worth. Plaques and certificates express our success in accomplishing something special. Many a person is affirmed by finding their photograph on the social page.

Worth is not only something gained, but can be something lost. Disasters destroy dreams. Stock markets are fickle. One wrong decision can evaporate a lifetime of frugalness. Friends come and go. Last year’s championship is replaced by the success of others. Many a millionaire has died a pauper.

So, how, can we be worth something that lasts? The answer is found in our becoming the possession of someone else. Our real sense of worth is when we have been claimed by the one who already owns everything else. Our worth is found when God considers us valuable to Him.

The psalmist says in Psalm 24:1, “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein.” All that we have counted as our worth is really His. We may have use of it for a while, but, ultimately, all things slip from our grasp and return to its maker.

The one thing the Lord would like to celebrate is that He owns our heart. He has paid a great price just to know that we are restored under His authority and care. Our worth is realized when we finally come home. Like the Prodigal Son, we may feel worthless, but the embrace of a forgiving Father restores what we thought we lost.

Today, acknowledge God’s ownership of your life by being useful to Him. When you do, you will be valuable in God’s sight.

Dr. John A. Temple is pastor of Poplar Springs Drive Baptist Church, 4032 Poplar Springs Drive, Meridian. Visit the church website at www.psdbc.org.