”For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirits, which are God’s.” – 1 Corinthians 6:20

     As I peeled the price tag from the cover of a new book I had purchased, I placed it on the shirt my seven year old son was wearing.

     My wife, who was looking on, pulled Jacob to her and asked, “How much is he worth, daddy?”  As she read the price from the tag, she playfully said aloud, “I don’t know if anyone would pay that much for him.”

     “Well, that depends upon whether they see him on a good day or a bad day,” I continued the teasing.

     If they saw him helping up a fallen teammate on the basketball court, surely they’d see that he’s worth the price.  If they watched him take from his own allowance and give to help children with birth defects, they’d realize he’s worth the price.  If they took note of the tender and affectionate heart he has, his wonderful laughter and sense of humor, his innocence and honesty … if they added all of this up, they’d see he’s well worth the price.

     But, what about those bad days?  What would others think if they saw his temper in action?  Would they think he’s worth the asking price if they watched him disrespect his mother?  Would anyone be willing to spend the money if they saw him selfishly hold on to his toys instead of letting his friends play?  If others saw him with all of his flaws and imperfections, would they think he’s worth the price?

     That’s how we measure value, you know.  Warped and misguided though it is, that’s how we do it.  Whether out loud or in our minds, we measure the value of a life based on its perceived goodness or badness.  The truth is, we’re all bad. (Jeremiah 17:9, Romans 3:23)

     When I step back and take a look at my life I am faced with a frightening reality:  even my best days aren’t worth the price that my sin demands be paid.  If such a payment was even available from man – and it is not – the fact would remain the same:  “I don’t know if anyone would pay that much for him.”

     For every “helping out a fallen team mate” there are half a dozen “pushing down that team mate”.  Any instance of giving to the needy is overshadowed by countless instances of selfish and wasteful spending.  All of my honorable and noble thoughts are but drops in a very large bucket overflowing with flawed and imperfect thoughts.

     And even on my good days – my best days – my once in a lifetime days – I don’t measure up.  A price is demanded for my sin.  And the number on the tag is too high for any of us to pay even if someone was willing. 

     Before you get to thinking too highly of yourself, remember that you’re in the same situation as I am.  Even on your best days you’re still a sinner too.

     But, as incredible and unthinkable as it might seem, there is One who was willing to pay the price.  There is One who looked at us – soaked in sin even on our best days – and loved us enough to offer the greatest sacrifice to redeem us … to “buy” us back.  As the great question went out across the ages, “How much is he worth?” The Lord Jesus stretched out his hands upon the cross and said, “This much”.

     The Apostle Paul noted, “…I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)

     Instead of judging the value of someone’s life by what they’ve done today, let’s remember that the blood of Christ covers all those who call upon His Name. 

     To be sure, we should strive to have “good days” filled with words and deeds that bring honor and glory to our God.  Sin is never excusable and it is because of the Lord’s payment on the Cross that we should respond with lives bent on pleasing Him.

     Let us never forget that a price has been paid. 

     ”For ye are bought with a price:  therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirits, which are God’s.” – 1 Corinthians 6:20