Your Net Worth & Your Self Worth

I heard it again. It was a statement describing me that I've heard fairly consistently most of my professional life. I've never really known how to respond but I've learned to accept it as a compliment. I'm just a bit curious, perhaps even skeptical. After all, you never really know what people are really thinking behind what they are saying. Still, I'll assume it's a genuine compliment to my contribution. What probably started as a natural aspect of my personality, has turned into a learned skill, even a craft, so I appreciate the compliment, with some reservations. I'll explain in two seconds.

Here is the statement -> "Paul, your network is your net-worth!"

What does this phrase mean to me? It's a compliment around my ability to network & connect people towards getting projects or tasks done. Paul knows people. Paul connects people.

I'll be honest. It feels great whenever I hear this phrase. Kind of an emotional "high-five" for a job well done.

So I really do appreciate the description. I agree with it. I embrace it. I'm proud of it. I have worked hard on this craft and I'm glad it brings value to those around me.

On the other hand, I'm a bit skeptical as I mentioned. Why? Because, what if those offering the compliment are unintentionally ascribing or even defining my "net-worth" as my self worth, how I am valued as a human being? Or, what if I feel this away about myself? That is, perhaps my worth IS connected to my work and as long as I continue to network, I will continue to increase my net worth and as long as my net worth brings value, then I am valuable. Is my value that connected to my contribution? Do I believe this? I don't want this to be so. Still, is it?

As leaders, we all carry a learned skill, or an aspect of our personality and what we bring raises the value of our presence in whatever place or space we inhabit. That's a good thing. Own it. Be proud of it. Work your craft. Continue to add value to your communities. However, we cannot allow this good thing (whatever our contribution) to become the ultimate thing in our lives. I cannot allow my net worth to become my self worth. It can get messy. Let me explain.

Simply stated, it works like this - You win, you feel good. You win again, you feel even better! You lose, you feel bad until you win again, wherein you feel better. Up. Down. Down. Up, Down. Apply that cycle to every context. It's a slippery slope to be sure. In short, your self worth will be determined by your net worth and you'll set yourself up for a lifetime of frustration.

For me, it's taken a long while to get to a place of understanding, believing that in a world that is ever changing its mind about my value, that I can find true value in my relationship with Jesus, who is unchanging.

This is a super important truth. Don't miss this.

How did I get here? I've learned through the years that I am loved and accepted by God. I'm accepted not because of what I do, but because of what God has done, is doing, and will continue to do in and through me.

How do I know? Because I see a consistent pattern in the Scriptures where God reaffirms his presence, power, and provision in & through his people raising the level of their confidence empowering these people to step up and step out within their respective communities. In every example (there are many), there is a promise aligned to life changing contribution. Here are a few of those examples:

• God promises to place a spirit of power, love and self-discipline in me when connect to him. So, I don't need to fear any given scenario, situation, or sad story. (1 Timothy 1:7)

• God promises his presence with me, regardless of what is coming my way. He's got our back, like a stronger older brother. So, I can walk with confidence. . (Psalm 27:3)

• God promises that he is greater within us than anything outside of us, or "out there" posing any threat. He's bigger. He's greater. He's more powerful, knowledgeable, competent, wise, and able. (I John 4:4)

• God promises that we are most resourceful and able only through the power and presence of Jesus in our lives, who is our strength. Doesn't just give it to us. He IS our strength. (Philippians 4: 13)

It's the same pattern in Scripture that we see over and over whether it was simply in God's word or in his work through his people.

As leaders, we need to be reminded that it's not about what we do but what God has done, is doing and will do in and through us. This doesn't negate my contributions. Do I still work hard? Yes. Do I still bring the talent, the skill, the abilities. Of course! I'm just not defined by these contributions. Instead, I'm propelled by the presence, power and provision of God. He shows up and shows off through me, whatever my context. That's how God works.

I have to remember that what I have, God has given me to use in cooperation with Him. I'm in the passenger seat. He's driving. I don't get lost in the gift ("my network is my net worth"). I get lost in the gift-giver, the source of my self-worth.

Leader - I'm praying this over you and through you this next week. Peace and love to you. Paul