Because you're worth it!

L'Oreal have a great slogan, 'Because you're worth it'.

Sadly, these brilliant words always follow an advertisement suggesting that surface attractiveness, with all blemishes airbrushed away, is what we should aspire to show. 

Surface image is shown to be more important that character substance. 

But how can we measure human worth?

In many parts of the world, and in many cultures, those with disabilities are treated shamefully. Only the rich and beautiful seem to be worth it.

But yesterday's news tells us another story.

Stepping Hill Hospital  has agreed to fund lifetime care for Zach Petrou, 19, expected to cost around £10m, who was brain damaged after being treated for croup as a baby. They have admitted liability, and have agreed to pay for the their mistake. This huge compensation payment reflects the view that people deserve good treatment, because of their intrinsic worth.

But in the ancient world, sick and weak children were drowned, and young girls were left on barren hillsides, in order that they might die, thus sparing their families the cost of their care.

Haw did this change come about?

It was Jesus which changed all that, especially in his attitude towards children.

'One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him. When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”  Then he took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them' (Mark 10.13-16)

Jesus challenged and changed the views of his followers. Children and the weak and vulnerable are of equal worth with the rich and powerful. There is no place for favouritism.

Jesus took this further when he taught us about the way our Heavenly Father views us. 'Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?' (Matthew 6.26)

If that is how our Father views us, of having intrinsic worth, our lives should show that to others.

Today, we can show that we also value others, in a smile, in taking time to ring or visit a friend, in sending a message or an email. Why? Because you're worth it!

What a privilege.

Best wishes,

Richard