Who We Value The Most

       In a world where humans are allowed freedom of choice, we all choose what we value the most.  I might choose steak for dinner because at the time I value it more than beans and rice.  I chose to marry my wife because I was so enraptured with her beauty and kindness that I wanted nothing more than for her to be my bride.  In a sense I chose to be a pastor, but only because the call of God upon my life to do so was more important than any other vocational desire.  We are motivated to decide according to what we consider most valuable.  What do you value the most?
The Bible invites us all to come and discover that Jesus Christ is to be valued the most and that there is abundant fulfillment for those who come to Him.  Psalm 34:8 says, “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!”  Psalm 36:8 promises those who trust the Lord that they will be “abundantly satisfied with fullness”.  Unfortunately, most people love their possessions, and ultimately themselves, more than they love Christ.  Therefore, people are caught in a perpetual self-entrapment that breeds only discontent and misery.  
Our greatest needs are met only when we first value Jesus more than ourselves.  Hope, joy, love, and peace are found only in the One from whom these benefits emanate.  Hope is possible because God owns tomorrow.  Joy is a reality because God is in control and can be trusted.  Love is real because He first loved us.  Peace is available because God removes enmity.  Moreover, we will only find these beautiful gifts when we value the One who owns them.  We will only experience what we need the most when we embrace that Jesus is worthy to be valued the most.  May our lives really matter, and may we know true satisfaction as we see “that in all things Christ may have the preeminence.” (Colossians 1:18)  May we value Him the most.