What is your true net worth?

Good morning everyone,

Our theme for this month: “A fresh start in a new year”

Our Bible verse for today: “He then told them, “Watch out and be on guard against all greed, because one’s life is not in the abundance of possessions.” Luke 12:15 (CSB)

Our thought for today: “What is your true net worth?”

I recently read a story about two men in a conversation about another man who had recently died. One man asked the other, “What was he worth?” A third man, overhearing the conversation interjected and said, “I sure hope he was worth more than just the money he had.”

That’s an important and helpful insight. How do we measure the worth of a life? What are the metrics we typically use? Money, fame, popularity, college degrees, business success, big houses, fancy cars, physical appearance, trophy wives (and husbands), athletic ability, and so on. The things the world uses as measures of our success all fit into the category of worldly treasures. But those are superficial and temporary. What really matters in life?

It’s the question Jesus posed in Luke 12:15 and the parable that followed. In that parable, Jesus told the story of a rich man who gloried in his abundant possessions – but then his life ended suddenly. All his worldly wealth was left behind and he found himself standing before God for judgment. In that moment, his worldly wealth and all his great achievements amounted to nothing. The metric God was interested in was the condition of the man’s soul.

It’s a common theme in the Bible. When assessing the substance of a person’s life the Bible doesn’t focus on worldly wealth and achievements but on the condition of a person’s heart. In 1 Timothy 6:17-18 Paul teaches us to be rich in the things of God. In 1 Peter 1:3-4 Peter writes, “Don’t let your beauty consist of outward things like elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of jewelry, but rather the inner things of the heart, the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great value in God’s sight.” (Peter used a woman as his example but the lesson applies to men and women alike.)

As you consider New Years resolutions you will make in order to bring about some needed changes in your life in 2025, the lesson to glean from this devotional message is that your true net worth is not measure by what you have in terms of wealth, possessions, or achievements, but by who you are as a person.

I encourage you to make resolutions that will help you grow as a person. Your true net worth isn’t measured by what you have but by who you are.

God bless,
Pastor Jim

(If you like what you are reading in these daily devotionals, and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00, in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville

Share this:

Related

Leave a comment Cancel reply