Every day we are confronted with the question of value. We measure it in our possessions, our accomplishments, our status, and even in the opinions others hold about us. Yet these measures shift like sand. Some of us underestimate our worth because of our past, our upbringing, or the labels society has placed on us. Others overestimate their worth because of privilege, education, or position. But Scripture invites us to anchor our value somewhere far more stable—at the cross of Jesus Christ.
Paul understood this. Coming from a background rich in heritage, learning, and religious achievement, he had every earthly reason to boast. Yet he concluded that none of it defined him. Only the cross did. He didn’t boast in Jesus’ miracles, His teachings, or His wisdom—though all were glorious. Paul boasted in the cross, the very place where shame was transformed into salvation, and death was swallowed up by life.
Through the cross, we learn the priceless gift of salvation. Nothing we can become—brilliant, talented, wealthy, admired—can compare to being saved. Success fades. Popularity shifts. Distinction can be lost with a single mistake. But salvation is eternal, unchanging, and freely given through Christ’s sacrifice. If we want to know our true value, begin with this: Christ thought we were worth dying for.
The cross also gives us an identity with meaning. Many people today act out of confusion about who they are. We attach our identity to toughness, attractiveness, achievements, or affiliations—things that can disappear overnight. But when Paul met the crucified and risen Christ, he discovered who he truly was. The cross tells us we belong to God, that we are loved, redeemed, and called to live differently because of who we are in God.
Finally, the cross gives us divine power. At Calvary, every earthly power—religious, political, and social—rose against Jesus. Yet none of them prevailed. The veil was torn. Forgiveness was spoken. Death was defeated. And because of that victory, Paul could face his own trials with courage, declaring, “I’ve fought a good fight… I’ve kept the faith.”
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