In 2018, British street artist Banksy sold a painting (“Girl With Balloon”) at auction for $1.4 million. What no one suspected was that the frame had a shredder built into it. The moment the sale was done, the piece slowly lowered through the blades, cutting the bottom half into tiny strips. The new owner allowed the altered art work to be displayed after the event made national news – and a household name of the artist. Have you ever wondered what makes something valuable?
While many were appalled by this turn of events, others considered it performance art. And 3 years later, the owner put the piece up for sale again (it was renamed “Love is in the Bin”) and it sold to an anonymous collector for $25.4 million. Because of the buzz generated and Banksy’s growing fame, the “ruined” painting fetched almost 25 times the original value.
I admittedly know nothing about art. I remain baffled at times by what some consider art. Talent is easy for me to see and admire at times. But to be frank, some very expensive pieces look like kindergarten coloring to me. What is it that makes one painting valuable and another relatively worthless? Although there are undoubtedly some very scholarly explanations for this, what it all boils down to is what someone is willing to pay for it.
What Makes Us Valuable?
Do you ever have doubts about your value and worth as a person? Our Heavenly Father places your value far above a Banksy painting. He loves you so much that He wants a relationship with you and wants to build you a home in heaven for eternity. And to accomplish this, He gave up His son to die in your place for you sins. Jesus died for me too (I’m so grateful), but He would have gone to the cross if you were the only one who needed saving.
If you have not experienced the sacrificial love of this Savior, I would be honored to talk to you more about Him. Click on “Contact” from the menu at the top of this page to send me a private message. I will email you back, call you or meet up in person if you are in the DFW metroplex. There is nothing I would rather talk about.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 NIV
And now for this week’s featured post from the link up!
An Unwanted Answer from instaencouragements.com was just what I needed this week. I sometimes feel like my life is a series of unwanted answers and this post brought peace with the reminders that God is in control and can work wonders where I cannot see them.
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MAREE DEE – Embracing the Unexpected
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Linda Stoll says
lauren, thanks for this often needed reminder that the only place where we truly find our value is Jesus. everything and everyone else will come and go and leave us frustrated and unfullfilled.
only He fills that yawning void.
Lauren says
Well put, Linda. Thank you for adding this!
Barbara Harper says
What a great way to put it–value is determined by what someone is willing to pay for something. I’m baffled by a lot of modern art, too. But I am so thankful Jesus was willing to pay the ultimate price for our salvation.
Lauren says
I’m so thankful too, Barbara!
Lisa Blair says
I’m so thankful the God values us, Lauren! And He paid the highest amount for us that has ever been paid – it cost Him His Son. What a gift He has given us – priceless love.
Thanks for the illustration, I had never heard of the shredding frame, but I think it was wrong of the artist to do that – though it all worked out for good in the end.
Lauren says
Your comment is a whole sermon, Lisa! Thanks for sharing with us.
Paula Short says
So true Lauren. Thank you for this encouraging reminder.
Visiting today from G&T
Lauren says
Thank you, Paula.
Maree Dee says
Thank you for the reminder that God and not anyone else determines our value. I sometimes look for my value in what I can accomplish. As I step back from a few commitments, it messes with my mind, yet I know God has something to tell me.
I am scheduling your post on my Grace & Truth Pinterest board.
Lauren says
I had the same issue with mental anguish about stepping back as well. Thanks for making me feel more “normal” Maree.
Corinne Rodrigues says
Loved the comparison. We are truly blessed.
Lauren says
Yes we are! Thank you, Corinne.