The Value of a Dollar

Bible Reading: Matthew 6:26; 10:29–31

Emerson sat on the steps of his house, thinking about the baseball game. Over and over again, he replayed in his mind each and every time he faced the pitcher—the windup, the throw, waiting for just the right moment to swing . . . and then the miss. By the end of the game, he had been up to bat three times. And three times, he had struck out.

Emerson’s dad came out and sat beside him. “You’ve been out here a long time,” said Dad. “Still thinking about the game?”

Emerson didn’t look at his dad. “You mean the game I lost for my team? They were counting on me, and I let them down. I’m not good enough to be on the team. I’m not good for much of anything!”

Dad listened quietly while Emerson listed a number of things he didn’t think he could do. Then Dad reached into his back pocket and pulled out his wallet. He took out a dollar bill, held it up, and carefully examined it. Emerson paused in the middle of a sentence, momentarily distracted from his discouraging thoughts as Dad crumpled the bill in his hand. “Dad, what are you doing?” Emerson asked.

“Oh, this bill has some nicks around the edges, and there’s a little stain here on the corner,” Dad replied, unwrinkling it and showing him. “I might as well get rid of it, don’t you think?” He made a motion as if to rip the dollar bill in half.

Emerson grasped at his father’s hand to stop him. “I’ll take that dollar if you don’t want it!”

Dad looked at the dollar. “This dollar reminds me of you, Emerson. You’ve had a rough day, but being so hard on yourself because you missed a few pitches is as silly as ripping this dollar bill in half. Even though it’s not perfect, it still has value. And so do you. Jesus loves you and died for you, and you’re of great value to Him. Your value isn’t based on what you can or can’t do, but who you are in Jesus.” Dad smiled and handed the bill to Emerson. “Now how about I help you with some batting practice?” •Shawna Arthurs

How About You?

Have you felt discouraged because you made a mistake during a game or a music recital or a presentation at school? Everyone messes up from time to time, and then it’s easy to think you’re not good enough. Jesus loves you very much, and you’re very valuable to Him even though, like everybody else, you’re not perfect. That’s why He died to save us. You’re always good enough because you belong to Him.

Today’s Key Verse: Matthew 6:26 Look at the birds of the air . . . Are you not much more valuable than they? (NIV)

Today’s Key Thought:

You’re of great value to God