Lessons Learned on the Journey

International Health Services, the organization with which I work, is hoping to open a Thrift Store. Assigning value to donated objects is one of the more interesting jobs associated with the store. Is the shirt worth $1 or $5? Is the desk worth $50 or $150? Value is often in the eye of the beholder. This was recently demonstrated by an old lunch box.

The tattered Mickey Mouse lunch box did not look to be a precious donation. However, the watchful eye of an antique appraiser assessed differently. Instead of a value of 50 cents or a dollar, this lunch box was worth between $50 and $75. Mistaken value happens in more than Thrift Stores and antique shops.

Teaching his disciples, Jesus warned about valuing houses, cars and stock portfolios too highly. His warning is stern in Matthew 19:16-26 about misplaced values and the danger of loving our possessions. Instead Jesus encourages us to value:

		A life of faith (Matthew 20:29-34 ; Mark 10:46-52)
		An attitude of humility (Matthew 20:24-28)
		A demonstration of extravagant love (Matthew 26:6-13)
		A faithfulness in marriage (Matthew 19:10-12)
		A child-like approach to God (Matthew 19:13-15)

I find myself so easily getting caught up in what the world values. Let us this week look carefully at what we value and seek to value what Jesus values.