The Bubble Never Bursts

Knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. 1 Peter 1:18-19

When our family first moved to Lookout Valley in 2007, we sold our home in East Brainerd and bought our new home. This was at the height of the real estate bubble.  Then, as we all know, the bubble burst! Home values across the country (including ours) fell dramatically and left millions of homeowners “upside-down” on their mortgages. Foreclosures became commonplace as many chose to walk away from their homes rather than continue to pay for a home worth less than the amount they owed. 

I’m somewhat familiar with real estate values and assessments.  Before God called me into vocational ministry I spent a few years trying my hand as a realtor. When I took the pre-licensing course, the instructor gave this “bottom-line” rule on how to determine the value of a piece of property: “It’s worth whatever someone is willing to pay for it.”  It doesn’t get any simpler than that.

Have you ever thought about your worth? I’m not talking financially (though it’s been calculated that the physical elements that make up your body are worth around $160!). How much is your life worth?  Sometimes we try to prove our worth by our possessions; by purchasing things that enhance our status. This is what I call the constant strain to attain! Solomon, who was both wealthy and wise, said “This too is futility, and striving after the wind.” Ecclesiastes 6:9

What my real estate instructor told our class regarding property value also applies to life value.  Your life is worth whatever someone is willing to pay for it.  The Bible says that you and I were purchased with a tremendous price. (1 Corinthians 6:20) The purchase price was not paid with the precious commodities of this world: gold and silver. Rather, it was the blood of Jesus, the Son of God, who gave His life freely for you and for me. If you open your heart and your mind to this truth, if you live your life with this present awareness that you are His beloved – you were purchased with a price of immeasurable value – it will change everything about your life.

I challenge you to give up the scramble for value. Open your heart and mind to your true worth. You were bought with a price. There is no bubble in God’s economy. Your value is secure. Now, respond to Jesus’ costly price paid for you by living a generous life for Him. This is how God wants His investment in you to grow!

 Grateful,
Pastor Troy

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