“Perceived Value”

“Perceived Value”

by Lisa-Colette Martin

God knows our capabilities because He designed us with an assignment of unique gifts and talents. Simultaneously, His design intends our gifts to add to the larger whole.^{1 2} One purpose for our unique design is ultimately to fit us together in a working relationship among each other.³ Many of us have experienced situations where some ethereal ‘connecting of the dots’ seems to be at work. Perhaps this is God’s poetic crafting to join us together and usher meaning into our lives.

The representation portrayed in ‘Perceived Value’ offers a different way of thinking. The concept illustrates how God sees us and what matters most. Secular society is often quick to make judgment about others. Often, society dismisses God-given talents as valueless, especially in reference to talent that does not reap high monetary earnings. This can become a psychological trap. In the hills and valleys in life, the valleys can cause us to loose sight of direction and purpose. Society has reached an all time low of considering mass human opinion, with or without correct facts, as all-important. God created humans to have a purpose in Him. In God’s terms we are all important and there is no hierarchy.^{4 5 6} God uses all of us; our purpose is not dependent on past achievements, status, or economic level.^{7 8} The Bible answers the question, ‘what are we here for?’ We were designed to love God and love others. When we change our thought and mind from how we see ourselves to how each of us can make a difference, we shift focus off of ourselves to count for something bigger. That brings meaning to life.

Scripture can help us explore the topic of ‘brokenness to beautiful.’ The result portrays the broken person humbled and turning his/her focus onto God and His holiness⁹. The act of this ‘turning’ away from secular ideals and towards a decision to worship God is described as beautiful.¹⁰ The change in mindset also becomes a refuge and a relief because it includes letting go of the judgment and opinion of others. Finding a spiritual walk with God is the act of finding healing.^{11 12 13} Scripture describes this important decision as ‘being transformed by the renewing of your mind.’¹⁴ It can be tied to making a conscious effort to seek deeper meaning as we each explore the question, ‘why am I here?’

Perceived Value represents these concepts via a scrap metal yard that, by divine execution and intervention, God calls junk parts to come together to form a new useful being in an unexpected way. While some may see trash, God sees a warrior equipped for a good purpose.