
Why Bother Considering Our Value?
Worth
I graduated from high school in 1976 and made one of the largest purchases in my lifetime as a single woman. I bought my first car, a used 1967 Volkswagen. It wasn’t much to look at. It did not sparkle or shine, but it was mine. The motor purred, the transmission was smooth and the radio worked.
For four years, I’d been employed as a house cleaner, a nurse’s aide and an in-home assistant to the elderly and the handicapped. I earned the minimum wage of about $2.75 an hour.
But, I saved every penny, nickel and dime to buy that car and handed over my hard earned cash dollars of $700, to the man who sold it to me.
The blood, sweat and tears that it took for me to earn that money for my car was definitely worth it. My Volkswagen carried me to what I considered my freedom; away from Nebraska and to Idaho. Away from my old past and into a new future.
But, if I were to purchase a restored 1967 Volkswagen today, I’d spend around $25,000. And though the wages I now earn are more than the minimum wage, I am unwilling to pay out that much money for a vintage Volkswagen.
Increased Worth
How is that, the value of an old Volkswagen, increases with age? There are a few reasons these old cars are worth much more today than when they were first manufactured.
First of all, the old Volkswagen invoke feelings of nostalgia. When I spot a V.W. I am reminded of the one I owned; the tinny sounding radio that played all the songs I liked to sing along with, the smell of the exhaust, and the distinct sound of its engine cuing me when I needed to shift gears.
Not only does seeing another V.W. stir the sights, smell and sound of my first car, seeing one also reminds me of that particular time in my life; leaving home, seeking my own happiness and independence.
Another reason for their increased value is the limited supply. Back in 1967, around 900,000 bugs were manufactured. But, they are no longer being manufactured, so they are a rare commodity with a large community of enthusiasts.
Finally, Volkswagen bugs represent a historical significance of days gone by. Back in the 1960s and 1970s the culture was a counter culture that criticized consumerism and instead promoted peace, love and lots of drugs. Owners of Volkswagen bugs represented a particular status quo, a historical culture whose psychedelic colors are no longer seen in our present day landscape.
Significance
What about our significance, value and worth as a person? Does it increase or decrease the older I get?
I like the value system established in God’s economy. I am of immeasurable value to God no matter my age, level of productivity, or historical significance.
Not only is my value measureless, but my value is the same as anyone else’s. The most popular, the most dignified, the richest, or smartest; all are on equal ground with God. There are no favorites, favors or favoritism.
When we personally encounter Jesus and our hearts and minds are enlightened to the length with which he has gone to redeem and restore us into relationship with God, we experience our worth. I was worth dying for.
Why Bother
Why bother considering our value? I do not have any historical significance, I do not invoke nostalgia, nor do I have a large community of enthusiasts. But, to God, my worth is immeasurable. My worth is proved by his sacrificial love that carried me away from my old past and into my new future.
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