Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10
In professional sports, teams are always trading or cutting players as they look for people to add value to their organization. The ultimate goal for every sports team is to win a championship. Doing that requires having the right players with the right attitude and focus, the belief that they can win, and the drive to give their best during every game. Such players are driven to add value to their teams so they can win a championship.
In the game of life, we should add value to the life of others and the kingdom of God. We add value by doing “nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above [ourselves]” (Philippians 2:3). Adding value to the life of others does not diminish our intrinsic value. On the contrary, we become more valuable to the kingdom of God when we focus on adding value to others.
The irony is that people who are more focused on receiving value than adding value always feel cheated. They don’t realize that it is in giving that we receive. Adding value gives us a sense of purpose and causes our brain to release dopamine (the feel-good hormone), oxytocin (the cuddle hormone), serotonin (the happiness hormone), and endorphins which drive the emotions we feel throughout our day. Thus, we really add value to ourselves when we add value to others.
It is certainly true that adding value to the kingdom of God through our service is beneficial to our mind, body, spirit, and soul. I think that is why it is so important for us to give our time, talents, and treasure to enhance the kingdom of God on earth. When we do that, however, God overflows our lives with his abundant blessings. God looks to reward those who add value to his kingdom. He delights in adding value to our lives so we can continue to add value to the life of others. That is why givers always seem to have an abundance to give.
Adding value is about understanding our kingdom's role, our identity, and our life’s purpose. When we think about the things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, and praiseworthy, we are adding value. Holy living adds value to our relationship with God and with the people in our lives. Indeed, God expects us to add value to the people in our lives. Husbands should add value to their wives, vice versa, through love and affection. Parents should add value to their children through affirmation, love, and affirmation. As citizens, we add value to our country by paying taxes, voting, and letting our voices heard about the things that matter to us. We add value to our vocation and our employer when we do our job in excellence. We add value to our church when we serve in any capacity.
Adding value is always intentional. It requires us to be mindful of our words and actions. That can be uncomfortable at times, but the benefits far outweigh the sacrifice. Even when our attempt to add value is not appreciated by the people around us, God knows our hearts and sees what we do. He will reward us accordingly.
How can you add value to someone’s life today? A simple phone call, a hug, a word of encouragement, a smile, an act of random kindness, praying with someone, or simply blessing someone with a tangible gift (notwithstanding the amount), are ways we can add value to the life of others. Don’t miss the opportunity to add value to those around you. Remember, what we do in time echoes in eternity. It is indeed in eternity we will get our reward for the values we added while on earth.
Questions For Reflection
How is God calling you to add value to the people around you? Who are the people that are adding value to your life? Have you taken the time to pray for these people and express your gratitude?
Prayer- Blessed Lord, thank you for the value you added to our lives through Christ Jesus. Soften our hearts today so we can be intentional about adding value to the life of others.
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