What are you worth?

I was recently introduced to a site (you can click the title above to link over) in which you entered your information and it gives you a monetary value for your body. It takes into account your sex, age, size, hair and eye color, and family medical history, along with several other factors. I suppose it gives you a value of what you would bring on the organ donor or human trafficking black markets.

So I entered my data, being as objective as I could, considering the vagueness of the options (all in drop-down boxes) and came out to around $2.5 million. So I thought I would run an add to see if anyone was interested in at least renting me. After all, in this economy, a man's gotta do what he can to take care of his family. So while I didn't get anyone willing to pay what I was asking, I got some very...um....interesting "trade" offers off Craigslist. Ew.

I'm kidding. About the Craigslist thing, not the black market website. But it did get me thinking about my true value. And I believe if I went back to that site and filled in some of the blanks differently, my value would increase or decrease as a result. Honestly, it's a stupid website that is just for fun, while at the same time can either give your ego a boost (especially if you're a big fat liar), or seriously burst your bubble. Fortunately, we know that our value is not determined by body parts or educational background or IQ tests, as much as we would like to believe that.

So what is our value based upon? Quite simply, it's a standard that was set before time began and our own accomplishments can neither increase it or reduce it. God set our value long ago and we are, in a word, priceless. Let me clarify that priceless should never be confused with worthless. Worthless gives a sense that something has no value whatsoever. It's what you would hear if you took a piece of gravel in to a jeweler and asked them to give you a cost estimate should you try to sell it. While a diamond that is no more than the size of a small nut, could sell for an amount in the thousands, a truckload of gravel can be bought for less and will be used to keep mud off your shoes and tires as you walk or drive over it.

Priceless, on the other hand, means that the value is so great that it cannot be measured in simple dollars and cents. It is why we refuse to pay more than $25,000 for a car, but will spend a half a million dollars to treat a loved one for cancer or some other illness. We see one as a waste of money and we see the other from the standpoint of, "It's only money."

So how much are we worth? We are worth enough that God made plans before time began to buy us back using, not money, but the lifeblood of His Son, Jesus. I don't know that we will ever understand the value that God has placed on us, but the fact remains that the Groom gave everything He had to win His bride.

So, groom, in light of that realization, the question comes, what are you willing to offer for your bride? Maybe you and your bride aren't as close as you'd like, or even as close as you used to be. What changed, and what can you do to change that? What is your family worth to you? How much would you pay to make sure your bride and your children know just how much value you place on them?

Last night my bride and I were talking. We're approaching 16 years married this summer, 19 years together total. My dearest said, "Do you realize that that means I've been with you for half my life?" It's true. When we met and started dating, she was 19. I still find it hard to believe that anyone would stay with me for nearly two decades. I'm not much of a catch, but I guess my bride thinks I am. Maybe it's because she knows how much I value her and how important she is. She knows because I say it. I show it. I act on it. And I do it all as often as I can.

So, fellow groom, may I encourage you to express your bride's and family's full value in every way you know how, and to always look for new ways. Here are some things to consider:

1. Make note of special days, dates, and occasions, and mention it. "Do you know what tomorrow is?..."
2. Forget the last time you said, "I love you." This keeps you saying it, just in case.
3. Offer praise and pride for the accomplishments of your bride and children. A lot.
4. If you don't have to say no, don't. Sometimes ice cream is good just because. And so are seconds.
5. Change your schedule to meet their needs and desires when possible. Not always of course, but if you can miss or postpone something menial for time with them, do it sometimes.
6. Make sure everyone around you knows how incredible your bride and children are. Brag on what they do, while keeping your own accomplishments in your pocket.
7. Pray with and for them, and praise God for His blessing of your wife and kids.

Invest in yourself and your family, groom. You're worth it.