A Pile of Dust to God's Masterpiece

On our refrigerator hang great works of art sent to us from across the world. One is a signed self-portrait; the other, a still life. We know the artists personally. I was visiting a friend recently, and she has similar pieces, but they in no way rival the masterpieces that we possess. She foolishly believes her works are superior, but-- ha! I can clearly see the consummate value in our crayon sur bleu. Anyone would, wouldn't they? Well, maybe not. As they say, "Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder." Our valuable works of art were done by someone special. The materials themselves --crayon on blue construction paper-- are of little monetary value, and I'm not sure the drawings themselves show any special promise, but for them to receive such a place of honor, it is obvious they are worth a great sum. It is the artist and the place he holds in our heart that has made it so.

Someone once estimated the value of the elements of the human body at $1.98. I believe, due to inflation, we're at $160 or so. As far as what good we do or our benefit to society, some may not be worth their weight in gold, so to speak. The sum total of contributions on all of my best days may not equal the withdrawals I have made or the malignity I have brought on society on just one of my bad days. In the grand scheme of things, none of us is worth much in and of ourselves. But the Bible tells us we were made from dust and to dust we shall return. How much is a scoop of dust worth? Mankind was created in God's image. Worth was superimposed upon us at creation by the One who is Creator. Our being may have been created with materials worth less than an average week's groceries, but God says we are worth so much more. How much more? His life. 

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. ~John 3:16

The sad irony is, despite our unworthiness absent our Creator, and the tremendous value He places on us, we have it fatally backward. We dismiss Him as being no longer of any value and fill ourselves with a false sense of importance. If He is valueless, from where does our value come? 

~ From the things we do. Anyone here an overachiever? Anyone here busy, busy, busy until your body finally just gives out?

~ From the things we tell ourselves. Anyone here constantly moving those goal posts, pushing ourselves a little further? Anyone here comparing themselves with others?

~ From the things others tell us. Anyone here counting up all those "Likes"? Anyone here a people pleaser?

What happens when we can no longer do? What happens when we let ourselves down? What happens when someone ghosts us? Our value has to come from Someone bigger than our calendars or ourselves or the people around us.

Phillip Yancey, in his book, A Companion in Crisis, paraphrases John Donne when he says:

My dust and ashes form the temple of the Holy Spirit --could marble be more precious?

At the very least, we were created to be in partnership with our Creator. We were made in His image and given the authority to govern the rest of creation. At best, we are His temples; His Spirit lives in each of us, transforming us into the image of Jesus. That is true worth.

In and of ourselves, we are crayon on construction paper. Our plans have no more potential than drawings on a fridge. Our schedule has no greater longevity or eternal legacy than that artwork, remaining only until new pictures take their place. We are but dust. 

Dust formed, esteemed, and inhabited by the Living God. What a glorious God He is!