Do you have worth? Is there value in what you do? Are you important to anyone? Think about that.

Worth is a sense of value or importance. It may refer to usefulness, ability, or character. It may point to honor or integrity. And while much is said of self-worth, often what we yearn for depends far more on how others perceive us. We want to hear someone say, "You matter to me."

That isn't a vain "look at me" notion. We simply want our lives to be significant. Deep within our hearts, we ask, "Do I merely exist? Am I no better than this rock?" We want to mean something to someone. We want our lives to have purpose. We want to make a difference.

Yet God sees an individual's worth differently. It's very personal. "I value YOU so much that I came into the world and took on human form. I suffered and died to rise again so that YOU could know my peace, joy, and love forever. YOU are important to me. And no one can take that away."

That's just the beginning. Your worth goes far beyond simply entering the Kingdom of Heaven. The One who made the stars and created life wants YOU to follow Him. Not some preacher, pastor, teacher, motivational speaker, or incredibly gifted Note writer (regardless of how good looking he may be).

He wants YOU to walk with Him, listen to Him, and learn from Him. Why? Because you are important to Him! He has given YOU special gifts and talents to reach, love and encourage others. He wants YOU as a beacon of His light so others will know He loves them, too. He cherishes YOU more than you can imagine.

Do you have worth? Yes! The real question is, Will you allow God to use you to change the world?

Ministries have issues of worth, too. They have a mission, a vision, a plan. But that's not enough. When it comes down to it, someone else has to see real value in who they are and what they are doing. The hidden desire may be that millions will, but at the very least, there has to be one.

Take Ciloa, for example. Our mission is to encourage you and help you encourage others. Our vision is one body of believers actually loving each other, glowing with the light of Christ in a dark world. Our dream is to experience other "Ciloa" groups around the world. (Imagine a "Ciloa meets here" sign.)

Ah, but that's not enough. If it's simply our mission, vision, and dream, then we become the focus. Ciloa, as any ministry, must take a step back, look at itself, and ask difficult questions: Does Ciloa have worth? Do others value what we do? Are we making a difference in anyone's life? Do they believe this work is important enough to pray for...be a part of...support?

I hate those questions. Whether it's about Ciloa, another ministry, or even myself... looking in the mirror can be uncomfortable. Regardless of what I may think, does anyone else on the planet find any worth, value, or importance in our ministry...in what we do? Is the race run? Are we done?