Who Determines Value?

How do we determine value? In our modern culture, many factors contribute to an evaluation: Financial statements. The economic environment. Sales and revenue figures. Perceived potential. Perhaps most importantly, the opinions of “experts.” People with the proper training and background.

But God told the Israelites that He had a completely different way to determine value. He wanted His priests to be responsible.

From a practical perspective, there were reasons why priests had such responsibility. But what is most important is that God was issuing a proclamation consistent with His standards.

The underlying principle is that everything in the world in fact belongs to God. That, regardless of how things appear, He is the Creator, and all of our possessions, gifts, and resources, in reality, belong to Him.

Earlier, God emphasized this very point, that “the land is mine and you are but aliens and my tenants” (Leviticus 25:23). In fact, the Bible reinforces the understanding that all of us are but temporary stewards, and that everything, in fact, belongs to Him.

How differently we would behave if we acted with this attitude! If we approached life with the understanding that God owned everything, there would be no reason to be greedy or possessive. In fact, we would have every reason to share with others. Not to hoard but to be generous with the resources He has given us. For we are nothing more than “aliens” and “tenants.”

Today, remember that you owe everything to God. He has given you life itself, and everything you have. Your food and clothes. Your home and resources. And most important, He has given you salvation through Jesus’ work on the Cross.

Make this a day to be thankful to Him. Grateful for all He has done for you. And seek to be a good steward of these resources.