Apparently all of the elements of the human body, including your skin, are worth a grand total of $4.50. Yes, someone actually calculated that and yes, that’s also somewhat disturbing.
According to the US Bureau of Chemistry and Soils, this is the elemental breakdown of a typical human body:
65% Oxygen 18% Carbon 10% Hydrogen 3% Nitrogen 1.5% Calcium 1% Phosphorous 0.35% Potassium 0.25% Sulfur 0.15% Sodium 0.15% Chlorine 0.05% Magnesium 0.0004% Iron 0.00004% Iodine
Even with this interesting yet slightly disturbing information, none of us would venture to say that we find ourselves to be worth less than five US dollars. You can’t put a price tag on wisdom or experience or relationships or on being uniquely you.
When you sponsor a child through ministries like Compassion or World Help, the child you sponsor is more than just the $38 attached to your checkbook each month. They have a smile and a laugh. They have hopes and dreams and fears and many more things that make them unique.
Life insurance can tell us how much a person is worth to that company on paper but the thousands of dollars can’t replace the memories, personality, and influence that is reflected in you.
When we ridicule ourselves, focus on just our flaws, and degrade who God created us to be, we’re pulling out the price gun and marking ourselves for the clearance sale. Besides, who would want such a messed up, mistake-filled person, right? And that’s where we’re wrong.
You might have never been told this before but listen close: you. are. valuable. The God who made you in His own image has placed value and worth on you. He sent His own Son, Jesus Christ, to die for us because He valued us so much. Live the life that He’s created for you. Live the opportunities to become the person He has called you to be. You are uniquely valuable to God and there can’t be a price tag for you.