The Economics of Self Worth - Part 4

In a previous post, I suggested that we replace the secular idea of self-esteem and self-worth with the Biblical concept of humility and righteousness. Based on what we’ve covered so far, here’s my working definition of humility:

An accurate appraisal of our own worth, based on knowing our true position before God.

Regarding righteousness, I said that 2 Corinthians 5:21 tells us that we have become the righteousness of God, that “righteousness” means equitable, and for that reason we have equity (value, worth).

Anyone who owns or has owned a home ought to understand the principle of equity. It’s simply the difference between the market value of your property and your indebtedness (i.e., mortgage). If I put $10,000 down on a $150,000 home, I have very little equity, because I owe the bank $140,000. If, over the course of time, home values go up, I may end up with a house worth $200,000. So my equity in that house is now $60,000 instead of $10,000.

Equity can also represent your net worth, which is the difference between what you owe and what you own. So, financially speaking, equity entails both ownership and value. We have value because God owns us; he has set his seal of ownership on us and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come (2 Cor 1:22). Spiritually speaking, we have incredible net worth. We’re Bill Gates, Warren Buffet and Donald Trump combined!

Equity also represents an investment. The only reason I have $10,000 equity in that house is because I’ve invested that amount as a deposit. In the same manner, God “put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit.” Romans 4:3 says that Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness (i.e., equity), and that God will also credit righteousness for us as well (v. 23-24).

Like us, Abraham’s spiritual net worth was zero – he owned nothing and was in debt up to his eyeballs. So God credited his spiritual bank account by paying off his debt, foreshadowing what Jesus would do for us through his death and resurrection (Gal 3:6-8).

But, suppose this payment of debt also represents an investment in us on God’s part. No one invests in something and expects nothing in return, and Scripture is clear that we ought to produce fruit. Suppose the talents in Matthew 25:14-30 represents everything God’s given us – not just our talents, but also spiritual power and authority? If he’s invested his equity (i.e., righteousness) in us, does he expect us to use it to produce a return on his investment? And if so, what?

But that’s a topic for another post.